Namibia on the cusp of historic leadership change

The Presidential Election in Namibia

The Two Main Candidates

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (SWAPO)

• Vice-President of Namibia

• 72 years old

• Fiercely loyal to SWAPO, which she joined as a teenager at the age of 14

• Considered incorruptible both morally and materially

• Promises to create more jobs and tackle youth unemployment

Panduleni Itula (Independent Patriots for Change)

• Former Swapo stalwart who was expelled from the party in 2020 after running as an independent candidate against then-President Hage Geingob in the 2019 poll

• A trained dentist, 67 years old

• Has an appeal to young voters under the age of 35, many of whom want economic change, a job or a measurable boost to their incomes

• Bold and at times brash style, rejecting the more staid political rhetoric of Nandi-Ndaitwah

The Election Process

The presidential election will go into an unprecedented second round run-off if no candidate gets more than half of the votes cast.

Key Factors Influencing the Outcome

• Close rivalry between the two leading candidates (Nandi-Ndaitwah and Itula)

• Voter turnout, particularly among young people under 35

• Economic issues affecting voters, such as youth unemployment and corruption

Background

The long-time governing party, SWAPO, has been in power since Namibia gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. However, the party suffered a significant drop in support during the last general election, losing its two-thirds majority in parliament for the first time since 1994.

The Candidates

Two candidates are vying for the top spot: Vice-President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party. Both have a strong track record, with Nandi-Ndaitwah serving as vice-president and Itula having a successful career in dentistry before entering politics.

Key Issues Affecting Voters

• Youth unemployment (20% unemployment rate among young people and graduates)

• Corruption

• Health care

• Education

• Infrastructure improvement

• Bolstering the economy without selling off natural resources like off-shore gas, lithium, and other metals.

Voter Sentiment

Young adults are eager for change, with many wanting economic improvement, jobs, or a boost to their incomes. The candidates’ approaches to these issues have sparked debate among voters, with Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasizing harmony and teamwork, while Itula presents himself as a bold and brash alternative.

Conclusion

Background on the Election

The election will be held with 15 political parties running for president and seats in the National Assembly, with over 1.4 million people registered to vote.

Current Political Landscape

Swapo, Namibia’s long-time governing party, has lost its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for the first time since 1994 due to allegations of corruption and money laundering in the Namibian fishing industry.