Namibia elections: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah likely to reign supreme
The South West Africa People's Organisation's (SWAPO) has been in power for 34 years.
A general view of a South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) billboard on a street in Windhoek on 19 November 2024. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG – This year has been littered with elections the world over.
This as Namibia takes to the polls.
Namibia’s Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah (72) could be at the country’s helm.
The country's South West Africa People's Organisation's (SWAPO) has been in power for 34 years.
Recently, Mozambique’s FRELIMO victory set the cat among the pigeons. More than 40 people have died in the post-election violence thus far.
Observers were not satisfied with the outcome, citing rigging and backhandedness.
In contrast, Botswana had a sweet handing over of power to newly-elected President Duma Boko (54) from Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Boko won against the Botswana Democratic Party, which had been at the helm for six decades.
Meanwhile, in South Africa the African National Congress (ANC) also fell short of grabbing an outright majority earlier this year, lending it to power-sharing with opposition parties.
The formation is known as the Government of National Unity (GNU).
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Just over one million registered voters are prepared to cast their ballots on Wednesday in Namibia.
Moreover, 15 political parties are contesting the election and the seats in the Southern African nation’s National Assembly.
Early polls suggest that Nandi-Ndaitwah has a high likelihood of reigning supreme.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia indicates that SWAPO is in the lead.
A VOICE FROM THE GROUND IN NAMIBIA
Namibian Broadcasting Corporation reporter, Blanche Goreses, says “It is difficult to provide an analysis of the polls.”
The country held its first democratic polls in 1989, she said.
“There are 21 political parties participating in the elections.”
The country has a two-ballot system.
“The queues are quite long…people are eager to cast their votes, especially the youth.”
She added that South Africa being a “big brother” inspired Namibians when they held polls in May as Namibians were at the registration stage to vote.
The youngest presidential candidate is less than 40 – she shared.
This is a developing story. More details and analysis to follow.