Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party candidate, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, has gained an early lead in the November 27 elections.
Namibia’s Ruling SWAPO Party Leads in Presidential Race
The ruling South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) is leading according to early results announced by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, SWAPO’s 72-year-old presidential candidate, has secured 55.17% of the votes counted so far in 52 of the 121 constituencies.
SWAPO, which has governed Namibia since its independence from apartheid-era South Africa in 1990, is expected to extend its nearly 35-year rule over the nation of approximately 3 million people.
Speaking in Windhoek, ECN Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua assured voters that “the results reflect the true will of the people.”
Voting Extension and Opposition Candidate’s Progress
Panduleni Itula, the candidate from the Independent Patriots for Change party, currently holds second place with 18.69% of the vote.
The ECN warned against unofficial vote tallies, emphasizing its role as the sole custodian of official election results and urging caution in calculations.
Namibia went to the polls on November 27 to elect a new president and parliament. Approximately 1.4 million citizens were registered to vote.
Due to a technical glitch on Saturday, the voting process was extended into a fourth day.
President Approves Voting Extension
President Nangolo Mbumba authorized the extension, allowing fixed and mobile polling stations to operate in selected areas.
Mbumba has served as acting president for nine months following the death of former President Hage Geingob in February.
Geingob passed away weeks after announcing he would undergo cancer treatment.
