Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Elected as Namibia’s First Female President Amid Disputed Elections

On December 3, 2024, Namibia witnessed a historic moment as Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah was declared the country’s first female president, securing 57% of the vote. However, the election was marred by technical challenges, including ballot shortages and extended voting days, leading to opposition claims of an unconstitutional process. Despite the controversy, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory continues the SWAPO party’s 34-year rule since Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, brings decades of political experience to the presidency. A member of SWAPO since her teens, she played a significant role in Namibia’s liberation movement and held various ministerial positions over the years. Her election marks a rare achievement for women in African leadership. However, opposition parties, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), have pledged legal challenges, alleging voter disenfranchisement and violations of Namibia’s Electoral Act due to the election being marred by ballot shortages and voting day delays.

The election exposed broader frustrations among Namibians, particularly the youth, who face high unemployment and economic hardships. While SWAPO retained its parliamentary majority, it was by a narrow margin—51 seats, just two above the threshold required to govern. This result reflects a regional trend of declining support for liberation-era parties, with notable losses in neighboring South Africa and Botswana earlier this year.

In her acceptance speech, Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized her commitment to peace, stability, and youth empowerment. “The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability….We will do what we promised during the campaigns. Thank you for your confidence and trust in us,” she said. She also called for national unity amid the disputes surrounding the election outcome.

Opposition leader Panduleni Itula, who secured 25% of the vote, criticized the election process as deeply flawed. He argued that the logistical issues disenfranchised thousands of voters and undermined the integrity of the results. Other opposition parties have expressed similar concerns, rallying to challenge the Electoral Commission’s decisions in court.

Despite the controversies, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency symbolizes a milestone in Namibia’s history. The country now looks toward addressing its economic challenges and navigating a political landscape marked by both celebration and contention. The international community and Namibians alike await the resolution of the legal challenges and the direction of the new administration.