Namibia’s Nandi-Ndaitwah Poised to Make History in Presidential Election

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s Vice President, could become the country’s first female president if she secures victory in the highly anticipated election on November 27.

Approximately 1.4 million registered voters will head to the polls, representing nearly half the population. Fifteen political parties are vying for the presidency and seats in the National Assembly.

Early voting results for Namibia’s foreign missions, security forces, and seamen revealed Nandi-Ndaitwah and her South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) party leading, according to the Electoral Commission.

SWAPO has been the dominant force in Namibian politics since independence from South Africa’s apartheid government in 1990. However, its grip on power has faced growing challenges.

In the 2019 elections, SWAPO lost its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for the first time since 1994. Accusations of corruption and financial scandals weakened voter confidence.

Henning Melber, a prominent political analyst, views the 2019 results as a clear warning for SWAPO and its leadership. He emphasized the need for renewed focus on public concerns.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, 71, has made bold campaign promises to address unemployment, particularly among youth and graduates. She pledged to create over 500,000 jobs within five years.

The proposed plan involves an investment of 85 billion Namibian dollars, approximately $4.7 billion, aimed at revitalizing economic opportunities and addressing the country’s 20% unemployment rate.

Women’s issues, including reproductive rights, pay equity, and healthcare, are expected to influence voter preferences. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership could mark a shift in policy focus.

Should she win, Nandi-Ndaitwah will join an exclusive group of female African leaders, following Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Malawi’s Joyce Banda, and the Central African Republic’s Catherine Samba-Panza.

SWAPO faces stiff competition from Panduleni Itula’s Independent Patriots for Change and Job Amupanda’s Affirmative Repositioning party, both of whom have built strong support bases.

Campaigns concluded over the weekend with major rallies held by various political parties. The election is set to reshape Namibia’s political landscape amid regional political shifts.

Southern Africa has witnessed significant changes this year, including South Africa’s ANC losing its parliamentary majority after 30 years and Botswana’s Democratic Party being ousted after 58 years in power.

Mozambique’s disputed election results, which declared the ruling FRELIMO party victorious, have sparked violent protests, resulting in at least 30 deaths and ongoing political unrest.

The results of Namibia’s election will be closely watched as the country decides its future leadership and possibly makes history with its first female president.

The Zim Bulletin