Namibia has elected its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, following the recent presidential elections held by the ruling SWAPO party. She secured 57% of the votes, amidst claims of electoral issues from opposition parties. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership follows her appointment as vice president earlier this year after the passing of President Hage Geingob.
Namibia has made history by electing its first female leader, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, as the winner of the recent presidential election held by the long-standing SWAPO party. Official results show that the 72-year-old candidate secured 57% of the vote, overcoming prior speculations that she might be required to participate in a runoff. Despite opposition claims of electoral irregularities and challenges surrounding the voting process, SWAPO has retained its majority in parliament. Nandi-Ndaitwah, a former member of the underground independence movement from the 1970s, becomes the fifth president of Namibia post-independence, after succeeding President Hage Geingob, who passed away earlier this year. Following the elections, opposition parties criticized the electoral commission and declared intentions to contest the results in court, asserting that numerous voters were disenfranchised due to various technical issues encountered during the election.
Namibia gained independence in 1990 after years of struggle against apartheid South Africa. The SWAPO party has ruled since then, achieving a significant hold on power. The recent election was historic, not only due to the election of a female president but also in light of the political climate in Southern Africa, where long-established parties have recently faced challenges. Additionally, the electoral process included complications such as ballot shortages, prompting an extension of the voting period, which the opposition argues was unconstitutional, raising concerns about the integrity of the election.
The election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah marks a significant milestone in Namibia’s political history as the first female leader of the nation. However, her victory is clouded by opposition allegations of electoral misconduct, which may lead to legal disputes over the election’s validity. Despite challenges, SWAPO has continued to exhibit its strong presence in Namibian politics and governance.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
