Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Leads Namibia Presidential Race

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Vice President and candidate from Namibia's ruling SWAPO party, is poised to become the country's first female president, leading the elections with approximately 54.82% of the votes counted. Despite her substantial lead over opposition candidate Panduleni Itula, who has around 28%, she may still face a run-off if she does not surpass the 50% threshold once all ballots are counted. The elections were marked by logistical issues, including ballot shortages and extended voting days, which have raised concerns from opposition parties about the election's legitimacy. Voter turnout was significant, with around 73% of the 1.5 million registered voters participating. If elected, Nandi-Ndaitwah will join the ranks of notable female leaders in Africa, while SWAPO aims to rebound from declining public support amid past corruption allegations. The election is seen as a pivotal moment for Namibia, reflecting both a historical and a potential political shift.