Votes are being counted in Namibia, where the ongoing election could be the most competitive since the country’s independence from white-minority rule in South Africa 34 years ago.
The election has been marred by logistical issues, with some areas requiring an unscheduled second day of voting on Thursday.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, candidate for the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), is vying to become Namibia’s first female president. She is running to succeed Hage Geingob, who passed away in February after serving nine years in office. However, Swapo’s support has waned due to high unemployment, poverty, inequality, and corruption allegations.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s main rival is Panduleni Itula, from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), along with 13 other candidates.
On Wednesday, long queues were reported at polling stations, with some areas facing ballot shortages. Voting was initially scheduled to end at 21:00 local time, but some stations continued to have long lines of voters waiting to cast their ballots. Electoral commission spokesperson Siluka De Wet confirmed that some voters were still in line the following morning.
Several opposition parties requested an extension of the voting period due to the logistical issues.
Swapo has been in power since leading Namibia to independence in 1990. To win outright, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote; otherwise, a second-round runoff will take place between the top two contenders.
Results are expected over the coming days.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who cast her vote in the capital, Windhoek, urged Namibians to participate, emphasizing the importance of their vote for shaping the next five years. As a long-serving government leader, she faces challenges from a male-dominated political landscape.
Itula, a former dentist and lawyer, previously secured 29% of the vote in the 2019 election, where Geingob won with 56%. He described the election as a key moment for Namibia’s democracy.
Interim President Nangolo Mbumba, who took office after Geingob’s death, is not seeking election.
The outcome of the election could hinge on young voters, who make up more than half of the electorate.
In addition to the presidential race, Namibians are also voting for a new parliament. With a population of around three million, half of whom are eligible to vote, Namibia remains a vast and peaceful country.
