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NAMIBIA--- 72-year-old Netumbo Nando-Ndaitwah has made history by becoming the first female elect president in Namibia despite a tough election that has sparked controversy and opposition rejection.
The ruling SWAPO party, which has being in power since independence in 1990, was declared victory, with Nandi-Ndaitwah securing 57 percent of the vote.
Her rival, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), secured 25.5 percent vote, according to the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
Despite her historic win, the election has been fraught with allegations of irregularities and logistical challenges.
The November 27 polls were marred by technical failures, including malfunctioning electronic voter registration devices and a shortage of ballot papers.
These issues forced voting to be extended twice, with some citizens queuing for up to 12 hours before giving up the process due to frustration at the poll.
Itula said, “There were a multitude of irregularities,” adding that the IPC would “not recognize the outcome of that election” and would pursue legal means to nullify the results.
Election monitors from a regional human rights group also reported intentional delays at voting stations.
The ECN has admitted to organizational shortcomings, acknowledging failures such as ballot paper shortages and overheating of voter registration devices.
However, it reported a high turnout, with 77 percent of the nearly 1.5 million registered voters casting their ballots.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, having being elected would now face the challenge of addressing Namibia’s pressing economic issues.
A leading exporter of uranium and diamonds, the country has struggled to ensure its wealth translates into improved infrastructure and job opportunities.
Youth unemployment remains a critical issue, with the latest figures estimating it at 46 percent.
Nandi-Ndaitwah campaign peg
During her campaign, Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to “create jobs by attracting investments using economic diplomacy.”
She is a seasoned SWAPO veteran and celebrated for her dedication and commitment to party politics.
AFP
