Namibia Prepares to Elect First Female President Amid Controversy

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah from Swapo is set to become Namibia’s first female president, leading with over 58% of the vote in a disputed election. Challenger Panduleni Itula of the IPC, who garnered over 25%, claims electoral misconduct. Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory would place her among Africa’s female leadership, while ongoing opposition highlights issues within the electoral process.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, representing the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), is poised to become Namibia’s first female president, having reportedly secured over 58% of the votes in last week’s disputed election. Her closest competitor, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change, attained just over 25%. However, due to logistical issues and a three-day polling extension, Itula’s party has indicated it will not acknowledge the election results, citing electoral misconduct.

Since gaining independence in 1990, Swapo has governed Namibia, having previously led the fight against apartheid South Africa. In the run-up to the elections, there were concerns regarding its political standing, especially following losses experienced by similar liberation parties in the region, such as the African National Congress in South Africa and the Botswana Democratic Party.

Nandi-Ndaitwah, a veteran political figure and currently the vice-president, has established her reliability over 25 years of service in high governmental roles. Should she be inaugurated, she will join Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan as one of Africa’s few female presidents. To avoid a second-round election, a candidate must obtain more than 50% of the votes cast.

Panduleni Itula, a qualified dentist, has demonstrated a charismatic presence and successfully reduced Swapo’s support in the previous 2019 presidential election, where the party’s vote share dipped to 56% from 87%. The IPC plans to address grievances through legal channels and has urged constituents who encountered voting difficulties to report to the police, enhancing claims of electoral irregularities.

In summary, Namibia is on the verge of electing its first female president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, amid controversial circumstances with significant opposition from challenger Panduleni Itula. The ruling Swapo party faces scrutiny as claims of electoral malpractice arise. The outcome of this election not only signifies a pivotal moment for gender representation in Namibian politics but also reflects broader trends affecting liberation parties in the region. The legal maneuvers by the IPC may further influence the final acceptance of the election results.

Original Source: www.bbc.com