Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a leader of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), has become Namibia’s first female president after securing a decisive victory in last week’s election.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia declared Nandi-Ndaitwah the winner with over 57% of the votes, while her nearest challenger, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), trailed with 26%.
Thank you Comrades
Thank you Namibia
Now Hard Work pic.twitter.com/AQFQBlNKIO— H.E Dr Netumbo Ndemupelila Nandi-Ndaitwah (@VPSWAPO) December 4, 2024
The election, however, has faced backlash over alleged irregularities. Logistical delays and an extended three-day polling period in some areas led to accusations of electoral malpractice. Itula announced that his party would not recognize the results, citing mismanagement by the electoral commission.
Opposition parties largely boycotted the results announcement in Windhoek on Tuesday evening, according to The Namibian newspaper. The IPC has pledged to seek legal redress and has encouraged affected voters to file complaints with the police.
Opposition parties have thrown their support behind the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) in its urgent legal bid to challenge the 2024 Presidential and National Assembly election results.
The parties accuse the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) of lacking… pic.twitter.com/nrkA9adGPC
— Eagle FM Namibia (@EagleFMNam) December 1, 2024
Swapo, which has governed Namibia since its independence in 1990, hailed Nandi-Ndaitwah’s win as a groundbreaking achievement.
Upon her swearing-in, Nandi-Ndaitwah will join Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan as one of only two female presidents currently serving in Africa.
