Thousands of Namibians faced delays in casting their ballots as logistical issues plagued the presidential and legislative elections on Wednesday. With polling stations set to close at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT), many voters were still waiting in long lines, sparking widespread frustration across the nation.
The delays come at a pivotal moment, with the election potentially ushering in Namibia’s first female president. However, the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), which has held power since the country’s independence in 1990, is facing its toughest challenge in more than three decades.
Voters reported waiting in line for hours—some for as long as 12 hours—citing technical problems, including faulty voter identification tablets and shortages of ballot papers. The situation prompted fears that the disruptions could hinder the fairness of the election process.
According to Namibia’s electoral law, those still in line before the scheduled 9:00 pm closing time are legally allowed to vote. Petrus Shaama, chief officer of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), reassured the public that efforts would be made to ensure all voters could participate. “We have an obligation to make sure they cast their vote,” Shaama stated.
However, the main opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), raised concerns over the delays, accusing the ECN of deliberately attempting to suppress voter turnout. IPC spokesperson Christine Aochamus said the party was in the process of seeking legal action to compel the ECN to extend voting hours.
In Windhoek, at the University of Science and Technology polling station, hundreds of voters were still in line by 9:00 pm, some of whom had arrived as early as 6:00 am. Similar scenes unfolded at the Museum of Independence, where one voter reported waiting for 12 hours before reaching the polls.
The election holds significant weight as SWAPO candidate and current vice president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah seeks to maintain the party’s long-standing dominance in Namibian politics. Nandi-Ndaitwah, one of the first to cast her vote, encouraged voters to “come out in large numbers” and ensure their voices were heard. Around 1.5 million people were registered to vote in Namibia, a country of nearly three million people.
Despite SWAPO’s long rule, the party is grappling with growing discontent over unemployment, inequality, and the uneven distribution of wealth. With many voters feeling the effects of persistent social and economic issues, Nandi-Ndaitwah may face an unprecedented second-round vote if no candidate secures a majority in the first round.
IPC leader Panduleni Itula, who secured 29% of the vote in the 2019 elections, remains optimistic about his party’s chances of unseating SWAPO. A former dentist and lawyer, Itula spoke of a “new dawn” in Namibian politics, advocating for a change in leadership that would better address the country’s pressing issues.
Namibia, a major exporter of uranium and diamonds, has seen minimal benefits from its mining wealth for the majority of its citizens. Marisa Lourenco, an independent political analyst, noted that while the country is rich in natural resources, there has been little improvement in infrastructure or job opportunities, leading to widespread frustration, particularly among young people.
Youth unemployment in Namibia remains alarmingly high, with 46% of individuals aged 15 to 34 unemployed, nearly triple the national average. This demographic is increasingly dissatisfied with the government’s inability to create meaningful opportunities, and their frustrations may prove pivotal in the election’s outcome.
As Namibia’s voters continue to face delays, the outcome of this election could signal a shift in the political landscape, with the potential for a new era of leadership in the country.
