Namibia’s ruling party, SWAPO, faces new challenges in this year’s competitive parliamentary elections. Despite preliminary figures indicating a SWAPO victory, the competition for seats is expected to be intense, with analysts predicting that the IPC will emerge as Namibia’s official opposition. The election also marks a significant moment for female representation, with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah aiming to become Namibia’s first female president.
Overview
SWAPO’s Decline
In Namibia’s 2019 parliamentary elections, SWAPO lost its two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for the first time since independence in 1990. The late President Hage Geingob recorded the weakest election result in the party’s history with around 56%. In the 2020 local elections, SWAPO also lost control of urban centers, including the capital, Windhoek, and the key port city of Walvis Bay.
Regional Trend
While SWAPO seems to follow the regional trend of liberation movements losing ground, Namibian political analyst Rakkel Andreas argued that “the change taking place in southern Africa cannot be generalized as an anti-liberation movement.” The political dynamics in each country are too distinct for such a broad categorization, she noted.
Opposition’s Weakness
Political scientist Rui Tyitende from the University of Namibia told DW that she believes Namibia’s weak and fragmented opposition is rather the key to SWAPO’s continued political success. A total of 21 parties are competing in Wednesday’s parliamentary elections, along with 15 presidential candidates.
Preliminary Figures
Preliminary figures indicate a clear trend: a SWAPO victory ahead of the IPC and AR. However, the competition for parliamentary seats is expected to be intense, and Andreas, Melber, and Tyitende predict that the IPC will emerge as Namibia’s official opposition, becoming the second-strongest party.
Challenges Ahead
The opposition has struggled to maintain voter confidence since their successes in the 2020 local and regional elections. In Windhoek, an opposition coalition failed, and SWAPO has regained power in a new coalition. Melber added that “with this opposition, SWAPO has a better chance of emerging relatively unscathed.”
Key Players
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Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, aged 72, is aiming to become Namibia’s first female president.
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Rakkel Andreas has argued that the change taking place in southern Africa cannot be generalized as an anti-liberation movement.
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Rui Tyitende believes Namibia’s weak and fragmented opposition is rather the key to SWAPO’s continued political success.
Tight Race Ahead
Preliminary figures indicate a clear trend: a SWAPO victory ahead of the IPC and AR. However, the competition for parliamentary seats is expected to be intense, with analysts predicting that the IPC will emerge as Namibia’s official opposition, becoming the second-strongest party.
First Female President?
Political veteran Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, aged 72, is aiming to become Namibia’s first female president. She has pledged to create jobs and tackle the 20% unemployment rate among young people and graduates, with a promise to invest 85 billion Namibian dollars over the next five years.
Election Details
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A total of 21 parties are competing in Wednesday’s parliamentary elections, along with 15 presidential candidates.
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The competition for parliamentary seats is expected to be intense.
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Preliminary figures indicate a clear trend: a SWAPO victory ahead of the IPC and AR.
