Voting is underway in Namibia for what is being called the most competitive election since the country gained independence from South Africa 34 years ago. The country is witnessing a historic moment with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the candidate for the ruling South West Africa People’s Organization (Swapo), seeking to become Namibia’s first female president. She aims to succeed Hage Geingob, who passed away in February after nine years in office.
Nandi-Ndaitwah faces significant challenges, as high unemployment, poverty, inequality, and corruption allegations have undermined Swapo’s popularity. Her main rival is Panduleni Itula, the candidate of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), along with 13 other contenders.
Voter turnout was high, with long queues forming at polling stations across the country as voting began on Wednesday morning. Voting will close at 21:00 local time (05:00 GMT).
The election results will be closely watched as Namibia requires a candidate to secure over 50% of the vote for an outright win. If no candidate achieves this, a run-off between the top two contenders will be held.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has been in high government office for 25 years, cast her ballot in the capital, Windhoek, encouraging Namibians to participate, stressing that their votes will shape the country’s future.
Itula, a former dentist and lawyer, is seeking to build on his strong performance in the 2019 elections, where he garnered 29% of the vote. Analysts believe that the outcome of this election may be heavily influenced by young voters, who make up more than half of Namibia’s electorate.
Namibians are also voting for new members of parliament, with results expected in the coming days. Namibia, a peaceful country with a population of about three million, continues to be a stable democracy in southern Africa.