Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Elected Namibia's First Female President

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been elected Namibia's first female president, securing approximately 57% of the vote in an election that was overshadowed by technical issues, including ballot shortages and extended voting times. The election results, which confirmed her victory as the candidate from the ruling SWAPO party, faced challenges from the opposition, particularly the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), which plans to contest the results in court. Voter sentiment indicates a desire for 'peace and stability,' as expressed by Nandi-Ndaitwah, amidst rising public dissatisfaction with SWAPO's long-standing governance, notably concerning high unemployment and economic inequality. The IPC, her main opponent, received about 26% of the votes. Despite the controversies, SWAPO retained its majority in the National Assembly, winning 51 out of 96 seats, while the IPC secured 20 seats. The election's integrity has been questioned, but Nandi-Ndaitwah's historical significance as a veteran of Namibia's independence struggle remains a focal point.