Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Becomes Namibia’s First Female President

Namibia has made history by electing Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female president. The veteran politician and long-serving member of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) won 57% of the vote in last week’s election, securing her place as the head of state in the southern African nation.

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While her election marks a significant milestone for gender equality in the region, it comes amid allegations of voter suppression and logistical failures. Several opposition parties have vowed to challenge the results in court, claiming the election was marred by irregularities.

A Historic Victory

Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, will officially assume office in March, becoming the first woman to lead Namibia and one of only two female presidents currently serving in Africa. A SWAPO stalwart, she has held various government positions for over 25 years, including roles in foreign affairs, tourism, and child welfare.

Speaking at her first press conference as president-elect, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised her intention to tackle poverty and unemployment with bold reforms.

“It’s not going to be business as usual,” she said. “We must have radical shifts in addressing the plight of our people.”

Namibia is classified as an upper-middle-income country by the World Bank, but it remains one of the most unequal nations globally, with 43% of its population living in multidimensional poverty. Nandi-Ndaitwah has called for land reform and a more equitable distribution of wealth to address these disparities.

Contested Election Results

Despite her victory, opposition parties, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) led by Panduleni Itula, have rejected the results. They allege voter suppression, citing ballot shortages and technical failures during the election, which led to a controversial three-day extension of polling.

The IPC, which secured 20% of the parliamentary vote, accused the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) of mismanagement.

“Some people were sent home after standing in line for 14 hours due to ballot shortages,” said Claus Goldbeck of the IPC.

The ECN acknowledged logistical challenges but maintained the election was free and fair. Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua urged Namibians to accept the results with “unity, diversity, and reconciliation.”

SWAPO Retains Power Amid Declining Popularity

SWAPO, which has ruled Namibia since independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, retained its parliamentary majority with 51 of 96 seats, a loss of 12 from the last election. The result underscores the party’s declining popularity, attributed to allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement.

Political analysts have noted the election as SWAPO’s “worst performance since independence.” However, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory bucks a regional trend where liberation-era parties have lost ground to opposition movements.

Namibia’s Oil Boom and Foreign Investments

Namibia has emerged as a key player in global oil exploration, with major discoveries by TotalEnergies and Shell. The country’s oil potential has attracted significant foreign direct investment, and SWAPO’s continued governance is seen as a stabilising factor for investors.

Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed support for foreign investment, stating that it must align with Namibia’s terms and national interests.

“The SWAPO manifesto emphasizes local participation in the oil and gas sector, but specific timelines remain undefined,” said Graham Hopwood, executive director of the Institute for Public Policy Research in Windhoek.

A Trailblazer for Women in Leadership

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency is being celebrated as a breakthrough for women’s representation in leadership across Africa. Her election follows a lifetime of activism and public service, beginning as a 14-year-old member of SWAPO’s youth league.

A staunch advocate for women’s rights, she successfully championed Namibia’s Combating of Domestic Violence Act in 2002, confronting opposition from male colleagues in parliament.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Nandi-Ndaitwah, calling her election a “testament to democracy and its ability to transform societies.”

Challenges Ahead

Nandi-Ndaitwah inherits a country grappling with economic inequality, unemployment, and mounting public frustration with SWAPO’s governance. While her presidency symbolises progress, she faces significant challenges in addressing Namibia’s systemic issues and restoring public confidence.

Opposition parties have vowed to pursue legal action to invalidate the election results, setting the stage for a contentious start to her presidency.