Namibia has made history by electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who secured victory in last week’s president election, ensuring the ruling Swapo party’s 34-year tenure continues.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, the current vice-president, won with 57% of the vote, surpassing expectations of a possible runoff. Swapo has governed Namibia since gaining independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
“The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” the 72-year-old leader said after the final results were announced on Tuesday. A veteran of Namibia’s independence movement in the 1970s, Nandi-Ndaitwah had risen from foreign minister to vice-president earlier this year following the death of President Hage Geingob.
The election faced controversy, with opposition parties rejecting the results due to technical challenges, including ballot paper shortages, which led to an extension of voting until Saturday. Opponents argue this extension was unlawful and plan to contest the outcome in court.
Panduleni Itula, a 67-year-old former dentist who returned to Namibia in 2013, finished second with 25.5% of the vote, falling short of the 29% he garnered in 2019. His newly formed Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party also claimed 20% of the parliamentary vote, coming in second after Swapo, whose share dropped to 53% from 65% five years ago.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, known for her steady leadership and unblemished record amid Swapo’s corruption scandals, also surpassed her party’s performance, signaling widespread personal support. Her win defies the regional trend of liberation-era ruling parties losing favor with younger voters in southern Africa.
For example, South Africa’s African National Congress recently lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since apartheid. Similarly, Botswana’s long-dominant ruling party was ousted from power, and Mozambique has witnessed prolonged protests following allegations of election rigging.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s first position is seen as a significant moment for gender equality in Namibia and across Africa, where female leaders remain rare. Her leadership is expected to focus on stabilizing Namibia’s economy, addressing corruption, and promoting social cohesion in a country still grappling with economic disparities and unemployment.
Despite these challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election has sparked optimism among her supporters, who view her as a unifying figure capable of steering Namibia toward greater prosperity. Analysts believe her diplomatic experience and independence-era credentials will lend her credibility on both domestic and international fronts.
However, opposition parties’ legal challenges to the election results may create a contentious start to her presidency. If the court rulings go against the government, it could lead to political instability, testing her leadership early on.
Observers will also be watching how Nandi-Ndaitwah navigates the shifting political landscape in Namibia. With Swapo’s declining popularity among younger voters and the emergence of strong opposition forces, her ability to deliver tangible results will be crucial to maintaining public trust and her party’s relevance in future elections.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency could serve as an example for other nations in the region, showcasing the potential for women to lead in traditionally male-dominated political systems. Her success may inspire a new generation of female leaders across Africa, highlighting the growing demand for inclusivity and progressive governance on the continent.
