Namibia Elects First Female President as Ruling Party Holds Power

BREAKING NEWSDecember 4, 2024 at 7:46 AM UTC

TLDR

Namibia’s ruling South West African People’s Organisation (Swapo) retained power despite its weakest electoral performance.
Swapo secured 51 of 96 elected parliamentary seats with 53.4% of the vote, down from 65.5% in 2019, amid dissatisfaction over unemployment, corruption, and inequality.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, won the presidency with 57.3% of the vote, becoming the nation’s first female president.

Namibia’s ruling South West African People’s Organisation (Swapo) retained power despite its weakest electoral performance. Swapo secured 51 of 96 elected parliamentary seats with 53.4% of the vote, down from 65.5% in 2019, amid dissatisfaction over unemployment, corruption, and inequality.

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) gained 20.2% and 20 seats, with eight more parliamentary seats to be appointed by the president. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, won the presidency with 57.3% of the vote, becoming the nation’s first female president.

The IPC’s Panduleni Itula received 25.5%. Over 75% of Namibia’s 1.45 million registered voters participated in the election. The electoral commission dismissed opposition claims of irregularities, asserting the process was free and fair.

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Key Takeaways

Nandi-Ndaitwah inherits a nation poised to become a hydrocarbon producer by 2029, driven by offshore oil discoveries in the Orange Basin. Her administration must balance resource management to ensure Namibians benefit while retaining investor confidence. Meanwhile, critical issues like 43% unemployment, drought, and housing shortages will test her leadership as she aims to address widespread discontent while maintaining stability.

Namibia

Elections

SWAPO

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Politics

Economy