Namibia elects Nandi-Ndaitwah as first female president

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history as Namibia’s first female president after securing a victory in the December 2025 election. The current vice president of the ruling SWAPO party received 57% of the vote, extending the party’s 34-year rule since the country’s independence.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia's ruling SWAPO party has been elected as the country's first female president, marking a historic moment in the nation's leadership. The 72-year-old, who is currently the vice president, won with approximately 57% of the votes, according to results released by the Electoral Commission of Namibia on December 3, 2025.

Nandi-Ndaitwah's victory extends SWAPO's 34 years in power, which began when the party led Namibia to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. A key figure in the party since the 1960s, Nandi-Ndaitwah has held various senior positions, including foreign minister.

Her main challenger, Panduleni Itula from the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), secured around 26% of the vote and has indicated plans to challenge the results in court, citing concerns over the electoral process.

In the National Assembly elections, SWAPO maintained its majority, winning 51 of the 96 seats, while the IPC won 20, securing the position of official opposition. Despite challenges during the election, including technical issues and ballot shortages, Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory reflects continued SWAPO loyalty, especially in rural areas and among older voters.

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