Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the presidential candidate from Namibia’s SWAPO Party, is on the verge of making history as the country’s first female president. Preliminary election results, announced on Sunday by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), show Nandi-Ndaitwah leading with 33,048 votes across 10 constituencies. This early lead has placed her significantly ahead of her competitors in what is shaping up to be a landmark election for Namibia.
ECN chairperson Elsie Nghikembua confirmed that the commission had verified and certified results from 10 constituencies for the presidential race, with final outcomes to be consolidated from the remaining 111 constituencies. Vote counting began promptly after polling stations closed at 21:00 on Saturday. The official results will be tallied and announced in due course, with the final results set to be declared on the last day of the election process.
Independent Patriot for Change’s Panduleni Itula holds second place with 19,857 votes, while Landless People’s Movement candidate Bernadus Swartbooi and Popular Democratic Movement’s McHenry Venaani follow with fewer votes. Other candidates, including Swanu’s Evilastus Kaaronda and Affirmative Repositioning’s Job Amupanda, occupy positions further down the tally.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s electoral momentum has garnered widespread praise, particularly from women leaders across the African continent. As Namibia’s first female presidential candidate to lead in the race, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s candidacy has been hailed as a victory for gender equality in political leadership.
Agnes Kagure, a prominent Nairobi-based businesswoman and politician, expressed her support, calling Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership breakthrough a significant milestone for African women. “Congratulations to H.E. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on becoming Namibia’s first female president. This victory signals the shattering of the glass ceiling in our region,” Kagure said, adding that the moment was a powerful reminder of the potential for women in politics, particularly in Kenya.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru also praised Nandi-Ndaitwah’s rise to the presidency, celebrating it as part of a broader trend of increasing female political leadership in Africa. “Congratulations to Mr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on becoming Namibia’s fifth and first female president. Africa now celebrates seven female presidents, which is a powerful testament to the progress of women in leadership,” Waiguru remarked.
Esther Muthoni Passaris, Nairobi’s women’s representative, extended her congratulations, emphasizing the hopeful message Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership represents for Namibia. “Your victory symbolizes hope for Namibia’s future. May your presidency be one of inclusion and prosperity for all Namibians,” Passaris stated.
As the final results are still awaited, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s potential victory marks a defining moment for both Namibia and Africa at large, underscoring the growing influence of women in shaping the continent’s political landscape. If confirmed, her election would not only solidify her place in Namibian history but also further inspire the advancement of women in leadership across Africa.