Windhoek, Nov. 27, (dpa/GNA) – Voters in Namibia are heading to the polls on Wednesday to elect a new president and parliament.
Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, from the ruling SWAPO party, is considered the frontrunner and could become the south-west African country’s first female president.
Around 1.4 million people – about half of the population – are eligible to cast their votes. The results are expected in the coming days.
The 72-year-old Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election promises include tackling high youth unemployment and investing heavily in green energy, agriculture and infrastructure.
Incumbent Nangolo Mbumba, who took over as president on an interim basis after the death of Hage Geingob in February, is not standing in the election.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s main rival is Panduleni Itula of the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC).
The 62-year-old, a former dentist, is committed to participatory grassroots democracy and fighting corruption.
In 2019, Itula, who is popular with young Namibians, was able to secure 29% of the vote as an independent candidate.
Experts expect SWAPO, which has been in power in Namibia for 34 years, to retain a majority in parliament despite facing criticism for weak economic growth, a lack of investment in the social and health sectors, and corruption.
GNA