Namibia’s Ruling Party Set to Retain Power Amid Elections

AFRICAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMYDecember 3, 2024 at 8:24 AM UTC

TLDR

Early results from Namibia’s elections indicate the ruling South West African People’s Organisation (Swapo) is on track to extend its nearly 35-year reign.
Swapo holds 55.7% of support, compared to 18.2% for the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC).
Swapo, which won 65.5% in 2019, faces growing criticism over unemployment, corruption, and inequality.

Early results from Namibia’s elections indicate the ruling South West African People’s Organisation (Swapo) is on track to extend its nearly 35-year reign. With votes counted from 15 of 121 constituencies, Swapo holds 55.7% of support, compared to 18.2% for the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), according to the electoral commission.

In the presidential race, Swapo’s candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, leads with 48.1% of the votes tallied from 10 constituencies, while IPC founder Panduleni Itula has 28.9%. Unofficial results on Namvotes24 show Nandi-Ndaitwah leading with 62% of votes from 342,138 counted.

Swapo, which won 65.5% in 2019, faces growing criticism over unemployment, corruption, and inequality. However, the country’s potential as a future oil and gas producer following major offshore discoveries has heightened the stakes.

You can follow Daba’s reporting on Africa on WhatsApp. Sign up here

Key Takeaways

As Namibia transitions into a potential oil and gas powerhouse, Swapo’s continued dominance raises questions about its ability to address economic grievances. While early results favor the ruling party, dissatisfaction with governance may shape future challenges amid rising inequality and high unemployment rates. A presidential runoff could still occur if no candidate secures over 50%.

Namibia

Election

Swapo

Independent Patriots for Change

Economy

Oil & Gas