Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party was declared the winner of last week’s contentious elections, paving the way for the country’s first female president.
Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah secured a decisive victory with just over 57% of the votes, while the main opposition candidate from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) garnered 25.5%, according to the election authority.
At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah becomes the first woman to lead the mineral-rich southern African nation, which has been under SWAPO’s governance since gaining independence in 1990.
The election, held on November 27, faced delays and logistical challenges, including a shortage of ballot papers, resulting in long queues and extended voting hours. Some voters abandoned the process after waiting for up to 12 hours.
Known by her initials, NNN, Nandi-Ndaitwah is a long-time SWAPO member and the daughter of an Anglican pastor. She became vice president in February and is now one of the few women leaders on the African continent.
Recognizable by her gold-framed glasses and often seen wearing blue, red, and green—the colors of her party and the national flag—NNN emphasized her experience and wisdom during the campaign.
As president, she has pledged to focus on job creation by attracting investment through economic diplomacy.
