Namibia elects Nandi-Ndaitwah as country’s first woman president
Al JazeeraDec 07, 2024
Namibia Elects First Female President Amid Electoral Dispute
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Above: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah during a campaign rally in Windhoek on Nov. 24, 2024. Image copyright: SIMON MAINA/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
On Tuesday, Namibia's Vice Pres. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, became the country's first female president and extended the ruling SWAPO party's 34-year hold on power after she won the country's presidential election with 57% of the vote.
Initially scheduled for Nov. 27, the election faced significant technical difficulties, including ballot paper shortages, leading to a controversial three-day extension of voting in some areas.
SWAPO maintained its parliamentary majority but with a diminished presence, securing 51 of 96 seats, while the Independent Patriots for Change won 20 seats to become the official opposition.
The Spin
Narrative A
The Namibian people have voted for peace and stability. The election represents a historic victory for democratic stability and peaceful transition, with citizens choosing experienced leadership and continuity in a time of regional political uncertainty.
Narrative B
The electoral process was deeply flawed and unconstitutional, with thousands of voters potentially disenfranchised due to technical problems and the controversial extension of voting periods that were illegal. Nandi-Ndaitwah's win will be challenged in court.
