Nambia elected its first president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, whom the Electoral Commission of the country affirmed secure 57% of valid votes in the just concluded election.
The 72-year-old defeated Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who received 26% of the vote.
Describing the election as a vote for “peace and stability,” Nandi-Ndaitwah brings decades of leadership to the presidency, having joined the ruling party SWAPO, during the liberation struggle in the 1960s. She has held senior government roles, including foreign minister, in Namibia’s post-independence era.
SWAPO also retained its majority in the National Assembly, winning 51 of 96 elected seats, while the IPC secured 20 seats and became the official opposition.
However, the IPC plans to challenge the election results in court, citing alleged flaws in the process.
Technical issues and ballot shortages delayed the November 27 vote, leading to extended voting in some areas.
Analysts attributed SWAPO’s victory to strong rural support and loyalty from older voters tied to the party’s liberation history.