Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Becomes Namibia’s First Female President in Historic Election
Namibia’s Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah received 57% of the vote in the November 27 election and was elected the country’s first female president. A veteran SWAPO party member, her victory extends SWAPO’s 34-year rule over Namibia, which began when the party led the country to independence in 1990. Nandi-Ndetwa’s main challenger, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), came in second with 26% of the vote. Analysts attribute Nandi-Ndetwa’s success to her impeccable reputation and ability to unite the party’s disparate factions. In winning the presidential election, SWAPO secured 51 of the 96 National Assembly seats, maintaining its majority. Nandi-Ndetwa, who has held leadership positions since independence, hailed the election as a vote for peace and stability in Namibia’s democratic future. However, the IPC plans to challenge the results, citing procedural flaws including extended voting times in some places due to technical difficulties and ballot shortages.
source: Voice of America News
