Namibia Elects Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as First Female President Amid Controversies

Namibia has elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president, achieving over 57 percent of the votes amid an election clouded by logistical challenges and opposition disputes. The election saw delays and accusations of irregularities from opposition parties, challenging the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Namibia has made history by electing Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president. Following a contentious election, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) reported that she secured over 57 percent of the votes. Nandi-Ndaitwah, aged 72, will lead the southern African nation, which has been under the governance of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) since its independence in 1990. The election process faced several logistical issues, resulting in delays and a shortage of ballot papers, which caused considerable dissatisfaction among voters.

The primary opposition candidate, Panduleni Itula from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnered approximately 25.5 percent of the votes. The controversial nature of the election was underscored by extended voting periods, attributed to significant logistical challenges. Many voters expressed frustration, with some enduring waits of up to 12 hours, leading to accusations from the IPC that the extensions aimed to disillusion voters.

Itula has indicated that the IPC would not acknowledge the election results, citing “a multitude of irregularities.” He emphasized the party’s commitment to challenging the validity of the election, stating that they would utilize established electoral processes to seek nullification. Monitoring organizations reported that the delays at polling stations appeared widespread and deliberate. Furthermore, the electoral body acknowledged failings, highlighting shortages of ballot papers and malfunctioning electronic devices used for voter registration, which compounded the issues faced during the electoral process.

The election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marks a significant milestone for Namibia, as she becomes the first woman to assume the presidency since the country gained independence from South Africa in 1990. The Swapo party has been a dominant force in Namibian politics, and Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election represents a breakthrough in gender representation in leadership roles. However, the election was marred by disputes regarding its legitimacy, with the opposition accusing the governing party of election irregularities and mishandlings.

The election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first female president reflects a pivotal moment in the nation’s political history. However, the election process was plagued by serious logistical difficulties, leading to considerable public frustration and claims of electoral malpractice from the opposition. As the IPC vows to contest the results, the implications for Namibia’s democratic processes and governance structure remain to be seen.

Original Source: www.nigerianeye.com