Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa to become Namibia's first female president Namibia is set to have its first female president.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa to become Namibia's first female president

Namibia is set to have its first female president. The country's ruling SWAPO party candidate and current vice president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa, is leading in the presidential election. However, if she does not pass the 50 percent vote threshold, she could face a second round.

According to the latest vote count from the disputed election held on November 27, 72-year-old Ndaitwa has so far received 54.82 percent of the vote. The results were announced after 79 out of 121 constituencies were counted. The voter turnout was 73 percent.

However, the main opposition party Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and its candidate Panduleni Itula, who received 28 percent of the vote, called the election results a "farce".

Opponents complain

Voting was extended by two days due to technical problems and a shortage of ballot papers during the election. Opposition parties have called the move illegal, saying it undermines the legitimacy of the election.

Opposition leader Panduleni Itula has alleged that "there were many irregularities in the election. This election cannot be called free, fair and legitimate in any way." On the other hand, Popular Democratic Movement leader McHenry Venani said, "This country must work for everyone, not just those in power."

Namibian political landscape

SWAPO has ruled the country since independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. However, high unemployment and social inequality have led to disillusionment among young voters.

If Nandi-Ndaitwa fails to secure 50 percent of the vote after the vote count, a second round of elections may be necessary. Opposition parties are preparing to challenge the election in court after the results are finalized.