Faith Nyasuguta
Namibia has turned a new page in its political history by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Garnering 57% of the vote in last week’s presidential election, the 72-year-old defied expectations of a runoff and cemented the ruling Swapo party’s grip on power, which began at independence in 1990.
In her victory speech, Nandi-Ndaitwah proclaimed, “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability.” A seasoned political stalwart, she has been a fixture in Namibian politics for over 25 years, serving in key government roles, including foreign minister and, most recently, vice-president. Her ascent came after the untimely passing of President Hage Geingob earlier this year.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s journey to the presidency is rooted in her participation in the underground independence movement of the 1970s, making her a figure of resilience and leadership. Her presidency places her in an exclusive club, as Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan is currently Africa’s only other female head of state.
However, her win is not without controversy. Opposition parties, citing logistical failures such as ballot shortages and the extension of voting days, have vowed to challenge the results in court. Critics argue that these irregularities undermine the electoral process, while others see Nandi Ndaitwah as a stabilizing force amid Swapo’s declining popularity. The party’s parliamentary vote share dropped to 53%, a significant decline from 65% in 2019.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s closest rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), secured 25.5% of the vote, a drop from his 29% in 2019. The IPC, which gained 20% of the parliamentary vote, has emerged as a strong opposition force, reflecting growing disenchantment with Swapo among younger voters facing high unemployment and economic inequality.
Despite these challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory bucks a regional trend where liberation movements in southern Africa face diminishing support. Her clean reputation, untainted by corruption scandals, has positioned her as a beacon of hope for many. Namibia’s decision contrasts with setbacks faced by ruling parties in neighboring countries, such as South Africa’s ANC losing its parliamentary majority and widespread protests in Mozambique following contested elections.
As Namibia celebrates this milestone, all eyes are on Nandi-Ndaitwah to see how she will navigate internal party pressures, opposition challenges, and the aspirations of a youthful electorate. Her presidency could redefine Swapo’s legacy and Namibia’s future.
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