By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan (pictured), must have had a reason to smile on December 4, 2024, when she extended her heartfelt congratulations to Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who was elected as Namibia’s first female president.
In her message, President Suluhu expressed her sincere admiration, saying, “On behalf of the Government and the People of the United Republic of Tanzania, I extend my warm congratulations to Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the President-elect of the Republic of Namibia, on your historic victory in the 2024 general election in Namibia.”
She went on to emphasize the importance of further strengthening the bond between Tanzania and Namibia, adding, "I look forward to working with you in fostering our fraternal relations and enhancing the historic ties between our two nations."
This historic victory holds not just political significance but also personal resonance for President Samia, as the two women now stand as peers in a male-dominated arena of global leadership.
For President Samia, Nandi-Ndaitwah's election is a proud moment that echoes her rise to the presidency, highlighting the growing influence of women in politics on the African continent.
Samia’s message of congratulations was warm and sincere, expressing her anticipation for working together to strengthen the deep-rooted bonds of friendship between Tanzania and Namibia. In her statement, Samia acknowledged the triumph of Nandi-Ndaitwah in the 2024 general elections, celebrating this milestone in Namibian politics.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah casts her ballot at the Emma Hoogenhout Primary School polling station in Hochland Park, Windhoek. Photo: Courtesy
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, is poised to become Namibia’s first female president after securing a substantial lead in the election, which followed a contentious voting process. As of the latest counts, with 65.57% of the ballots processed, Nandi-Ndaitwah, who currently serves as the country’s vice president, is leading with 54.82% of the vote.
Despite her commanding position, opposition groups have voiced strong disapproval of the election process, claiming it was marred by irregularities and logistical problems.
The voting process faced significant delays and disruptions, including technical issues and a shortage of ballot papers, which forced the election to be extended by three days. The electoral commission had initially planned for results to be released shortly after the November 27 polls, but issues at several polling stations led to the extensions.
The opposition party, Independent Patriots for Change, whose candidate, Panduleni Itula, is trailing with 28% of the vote, has already dismissed the results as fraudulent, calling the election process a "sham." Itula stated that there were "multitudes of irregularities" and declared that no matter the final result, his party would not recognize the outcome.
The party further expressed concerns over what they believe is a violation of the rule of law and an unfair election.
As of the latest counts, the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), Nandi-Ndaitwah’s party, holds a significant lead in the race for the National Assembly with 56.38% of the vote, followed by the Independent Patriots for Change at 19.23%.
Nevertheless, there is still a possibility that Nandi-Ndaitwah might be forced into a second-round runoff if she does not secure more than 50% of the vote by the time all results are in.
Namibia has generally been regarded as one of Africa's most stable democracies, having achieved independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. However, the election’s controversies have sparked debate about the country’s future, particularly among younger voters who have voiced frustrations over high youth unemployment and persistent inequalities.
Despite the opposition’s objections, SWAPO has maintained a strong hold on power since the country’s independence. The opposition, including prominent figures like McHenry Venaani of the Popular Democratic Movement, has promised to take the case to court, insisting that the electoral process has undermined the country’s democratic credentials.
As the election results continue to unfold, the international community, including Tanzania, closely watches the situation. Aljazeera Television has been providing live coverage of the ongoing vote tally, reflecting the widespread attention the election is receiving, not only for its political implications but also for the role it may play in shaping Namibia’s future leadership and democratic integrity.
The challenges facing Namibia’s election process are a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles many African nations face in consolidating democracy and ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. The outcome, especially amid such contentious disputes, will play a crucial role in determining the future of Namibia’s political landscape.