Namibia has elected its first female leader, VP Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, as President in a historic victory. The election was marred by technical glitches, but the ruling party’s win marks a significant milestone for the country’s democracy.
Namibia will have its first female leader after VP wins presidential election for the ruling party
Background:
Namibia is a country located on the southwestern coast of Africa that was previously a German colony and later came under South African control after World War I. It gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
Election Details:
The election was marred by technical glitches that caused a three-day extension for voting, which was rejected as illegal by opposition parties. Some opposition parties boycotted the announcement of the results, criticizing the Electoral Commission of Namibia for its handling of the vote. Over 1 million votes were cast out of 1.4 million registered voters.
Challenges Faced:
The election was plagued by technical issues that led to a three-day extension for voting. The opposition parties rejected this extension as illegal.
Reaction from Opposition:
Panduleni Itula, the leading opposition candidate from the Independent Patriots for Change party, was second in the presidential election with 25% of the vote. His party won the second-largest number of seats in Parliament behind SWAPO. Itula and his party have led the criticism of the vote, stating that thousands of voters may have been prevented from voting due to the extension being allowed at only some polling stations.
Statement from Nandi-Ndaitwah:
In a brief speech after the results were announced, Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibians had voted for peace, stability, and youth empowerment. She promised that her party would do what they had promised during their campaigns.
Related News:
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South Africa’s African National Congress lost its 30-year majority in an election in May.
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Botswana’s ruling party was removed in a landslide in October after governing for 58 years since independence from Britain.
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Mozambique’s long-ruling Frelimo has been accused of rigging an October election and faced weeks of violent protests against its rule.
Quotes:
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“We are going to do what we promised you during the campaigns. Thank you for your confidence and trust in us,” – Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
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“SWAPO Wins. Netumbo Wins. Namibia Wins. Now Hard Work,” – Ruling party’s official account on social media site X
Key Points from the Article:
Election Marred by Technical Glitches
The election was plagued by technical issues that led to a three-day extension for voting. The opposition parties rejected this extension as illegal.
SWAPO Retains Parliamentary Majority
The ruling South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) party retained its parliamentary majority but by a very thin margin, extending its 34-year hold on power since Namibia gained independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
Opposition Parties to Challenge Election Results
Panduleni Itula, the leading opposition candidate, and his party have criticized the election results, stating that thousands of voters may have been prevented from voting. They plan to lodge an appeal against the election this week.
Context of Namibia’s Election
Namibia has a reputation for being one of Africa’s more stable democracies, but the problems surrounding the election have caused concern. The country is facing high unemployment and economic hardship, especially among young people, driving a desire for change.
Reaction from Nandi-Ndaitwah
