Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s vice president, has made history by becoming the country’s first female president, securing 57% of the vote in the recent election. She described her victory as a milestone for women’s equality in the mineral-rich nation, governed by SWAPO since independence in 1990.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, praised Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female president, for paving the way. “Equal responsibility of women and men in society is a reality,” she stated during her first briefing as president-elect. She is set to take office on March 21, 2025.
The election, extended by three days due to logistical challenges, saw a 77% voter turnout. However, the main opposition, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), rejected the results, alleging deliberate attempts to frustrate voters, particularly in urban areas like Windhoek, where turnout was significantly lower.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia acknowledged issues, including ballot shortages and malfunctioning electronic tablets, but affirmed the process’s completion.
Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged a “radical shift” to address the needs of vulnerable communities, stating, “It’s not going to be business as usual.” Despite her historic win, critics point to her conservative stance on issues like abortion and her limited advocacy for women’s rights.
The victory signals a new chapter for Namibia, but the disputed results and promises of drastic reforms set the stage for a challenging presidency.
