Namibia’s ruling party candidate, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, emerged as the frontrunner in early results from a presidential election marked by widespread technical disruptions, which led to a three-day extension of voting.
The opposition has rejected the extended voting period as illegal, arguing that it undermines the integrity of the election in a country previously praised as one of southern Africa’s more stable democracies. Final results are expected later this week, with opposition parties vowing to contest the election in court.
The problems during last Wednesday’s election, including ballot shortages and logistical challenges, forced election authorities to keep some polling stations open until Saturday. These issues have cast a shadow over the credibility of the process, despite Nandi-Ndaitwah’s strong performance.
The 72-year-old SWAPO party candidate, who could become Namibia’s first female president, led with approximately 56% of the vote in partial results released Monday. Meanwhile, Panduleni Itula of the opposition Independent Patriots for Change trailed with 27%. Only 220,000 of the estimated 1.4 million votes had been tallied.
Namibians voted for both their president and Parliament in the vast, sparsely populated nation, which has been governed by SWAPO since gaining independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. While Nandi-Ndaitwah represents a historic breakthrough, SWAPO faces mounting dissatisfaction over high unemployment, economic struggles, and corruption scandals that have tarnished its reputation as the country’s liberator.
The Independent Patriots for Change announced plans to file a legal challenge this week, with other opposition parties expressing support for the case.
“This is about preserving our democracy and ensuring the country works for everyone, rich or poor,” said McHenry Venaani, leader of the opposition Popular Democratic Movement and a presidential candidate.
Despite calls for a rerun, Namibia’s Electoral Commission stated the election results would stand.
The election turmoil reflects a broader trend in southern Africa, where ruling parties are grappling with growing public discontent.
South Africa’s African National Congress recently lost its majority after 30 years, requiring a coalition to maintain control. In Botswana, the Botswana Democratic Party was ousted after 58 years in power, while in Mauritius, the incumbent party suffered a landslide defeat.
Mozambique’s Frelimo party also faced allegations of election rigging, sparking protests against its prolonged rule.
