Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history as Namibia’s first female president, following her victory in the nation’s recent presidential election.
Representing the ruling SWAPO party, the 72-year-old secured 57% of the vote, comfortably surpassing the required 50% threshold to win outright.
Her election extends SWAPO’s 34-year rule since Namibia’s independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, currently serving as Namibia’s vice president, brings decades of experience as a veteran of the nation’s liberation struggle and a long-time government official.
She joined SWAPO in the 1960s and has held prominent roles, including foreign minister.
SWAPO also retained control of the National Assembly, winning 51 out of 96 seats. The opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), led by Panduleni Itula, came second in the presidential race with 26% of the vote and secured 20 parliamentary seats.
Despite the decisive victory, the IPC announced plans to challenge the election results in court, alleging irregularities. The Electoral Commission of Namibia has yet to respond to the claims.
In her victory speech, Nandi-Ndaitwah pledged to uphold peace and stability while steering the nation toward progress.
