Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Poised to Be Namibia’s First Female President

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is likely to become Namibia’s first female president after securing over 58% of votes in a disputed election. Her main opponent, Panduleni Itula, claims electoral malpractice. Swapo, the ruling party, has been in power since independence in 1990, with recent elections raising concerns about its popularity. The IPC plans to pursue legal action concerning the election results.

In Namibia’s recent election, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo) is poised to become the nation’s first female president, having secured over 58% of the votes counted so far. Her closest competitor, Panduleni Itula, received more than 25% but disputes the election results, citing alleged electoral malpractice and logistical issues during voting.

Swapo has held power since Namibia’s independence from South Africa in 1990, having led the fight against apartheid. Speculation about possible electoral losses for Swapo emerged in light of recent electoral shifts in southern Africa, including losses for South Africa’s ANC and Botswana’s Democratic Party.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, a long-time party stalwart and current vice president, brings a wealth of government experience, having served for over 25 years. If successful, she would join Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan as one of Africa’s few female presidents. A candidate must achieve over 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff.

Panduleni Itula, a charismatic figure and trained dentist from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), previously reduced Swapo’s vote share in the 2019 elections. The IPC plans to contest the election results in court and encourages those asserting voting issues to report them to the authorities.

The Namibian election may usher in a historic milestone with the potential candidacy of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the first female president. However, disputes arise concerning the legitimacy of the election results, with rival Panduleni Itula refusing to acknowledge the outcome. As the situation develops, the IPC is prepared to take legal action to challenge the results, reflecting an ongoing tension in Namibian politics. This election could signify broader regional trends in southern African governance.

Original Source: www.bbc.com