Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, won the presidential elections held from November 27 to 30, securing 58.07% of the vote.
She is the vice-chair of SWAPO, the party that has ruled Namibia since its independence in 1990. Nandi-Ndaitwah has been an active member of SWAPO since its liberation struggle, and she has held key positions, including Minister of International Relations since 2012 and Deputy Prime Minister from 2015 to February 2024.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory marks a historic milestone, with outgoing interim president Nangolo Mbumba calling it “brilliant and historic.” SWAPO also retained its parliamentary majority, winning 53.38% of the vote. The main opposition, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) led by Panduleni Itula, gained 25.84%.
Despite some opposition claims of election irregularities, the results were largely accepted. The World Bank highlights Namibia’s natural resources, stable leadership and economic management, although inequality remains a significant issue.
