Namibia elected its first female president Wednesday, marking a historic milestone for the nation. Representing the ruling South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) party, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah secured a decisive victory with approximately 57% of valid votes, the Electoral Commission of Namibia announced on Tuesday.

At 72 years old, Nandi-Ndaitwah is currently the vice president of Namibia. Her long-standing political career includes pivotal roles such as foreign minister, and she is widely regarded as a unifying figure within SWAPO. Her election extends SWAPO’s political dominance, which has remained unbroken since the party led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.

While some analysts had questioned SWAPO’s ability to maintain its grip on power due to rising unemployment and inequality, the party’s deep roots in rural areas and its legacy of liberation resonated with many voters.

The election which took place on November 27 faced logistical setbacks, including ballot paper shortages and technical issues, which delayed results and extended voting in certain areas.

Namibia

People wait to vote in an the extension of the presidential and national assembly elections after delays on the offical election day earlier this week in Windhoek, Namibia, November 29, 2024. REUTERS/Noah Tjijenda

About 1.4 million people were registered to vote in the sparsely populated country of around 3 million, according to the electoral commission.

According to Reuters, her main challenger, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), garnered around 26% of the vote. Itula’s party has announced plans to challenge the results in court, citing alleged flaws in the electoral process.

Namibia

Panduleni Itula, presidential candidate for opposition party IPC (Independent Patriots for Change) attends a press conference in Windhoek, Namibia, November 29, 2024. REUTERS/Noah Tjijenda

Despite various challenges, SWAPO also won a majority in the National Assembly, securing 51 of 96 elected seats. The IPC, with 20 seats, will form the official opposition.

“The Namibian nation has voted for peace and stability,” Nandi-Ndaitwah stated after being declared president-elect.