CIVICUS discusses Namibia’s election results with Namibian human rights defender and political activist Joram Useb.

In an election marred by challenges such as ballot shortages and decisions to extend voting periods, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) party became Namibia’s first female president. Defying predictions of a run-off, Nandi-Ndaitwah won 57 per cent of the first-round vote. Opposition parties rejected the results, citing irregularities. SWAPO has extended its 34-year rule but faces growing youth discontent over unemployment, housing shortages and inequality, as well as growing demands for land reform and economic change in one of the world’s most unequal countries, where more than 64 per cent of people live on under US$5.50 a day.

Were the election results a surprise?

I have mixed feelings about this. As many expected, SWAPO maintained its dominance. It has ruled Namibia since independence in 1990 and continues to enjoy strong support in rural areas and among older voters who still associate it with the liberation struggle.

However, there has also been considerable dissatisfaction with the government, particularly among younger voters, urban dwellers and the middle class. These groups have become increasingly frustrated with issues such as unemployment, corruption and the lack of basic services. Many hoped this discontent would lead to significant losses for SWAPO, as happened to ruling parties in Botswana and South Africa.

And indeed, opposition parties performed relatively well. Although SWAPO retained a parliamentary majority, its share of seats fell, reflecting a shift in public opinion. Nevertheless, SWAPO’s presidential candidate, Nandi-Ndaitwah, was elected. The fact she’s a woman from a majority ethnic group probably played a significant role in securing votes from communities who felt she represented them.

How free and fair were the elections?

The fairness of the election has been widely debated. While the process was peaceful and generally orderly, several irregularities raised questions about its credibility.

Logistical inefficiencies were a major problem. Some polling stations ran out of ballot papers, which had to be transported over long distances. This led to the election being extended from one to four days, an unusual move that raised suspicions of possible manipulation. Opposition parties complained that the extensions gave SWAPO extra time to influence voters. They also said that logistical problems disproportionately affected areas where opposition support was stronger, potentially suppressing opposition votes.

The use of pencils rather than ink for voting was another concern, with many fearing their votes could be changed after they had been cast. While this may seem like a minor issue, it significantly undermined public confidence in the process.

Some opposition parties are now planning to challenge the results in court, which could set an important precedent for electoral reform in Namibia.

What was the role of civil society in monitoring the election?

Civil society played an active role in monitoring the election, but its impact was limited by a number of structural challenges. Monitoring organisations identified and raised key concerns, such as delays in the distribution of election materials, a lack of transparency in the vote counting process and the controversial use of pencils for voting.

Civil society has long called for greater transparency and has made several recommendations to improve the electoral process. These include the timely and efficient distribution of election materials, limiting elections to a single day and adopting more secure voting methods such as the use of permanent ink or electronic voting systems. Unfortunately, these suggestions have been largely ignored, leading to the challenges observed.

A key obstacle for Namibian civil society is its fragmented nature. Operating in silos weakens its collective impact, particularly when compared to more organised and influential civil society movements in neighbouring countries such as South Africa. Limited cohesion and resources limit its ability to hold government and electoral authorities to account.

Looking ahead, civil society organisations are expected to play a key role in supporting opposition parties’ legal challenges against the election results and advocating for much-needed electoral reforms. To maximise their impact, they need to build stronger networks and present a united front.

What do the election results mean for the future of democracy in Namibia?

Nandi-Ndaitwah’s victory is a significant milestone for Namibian democracy, bringing both opportunities and challenges. Her election as our first female president is a landmark achievement in promoting gender equality at the highest levels of leadership. This sends a powerful message: women can lead and drive meaningful change.

However, the continuation of SWAPO’s decades-long rule raises critical concerns about the state of political competition in Namibia. A vibrant democracy depends on healthy political competition and robust accountability mechanisms. Prolonged party dominance risks fostering complacency, limiting political diversity and undermining checks and balances.

Several reforms are needed to strengthen democracy in Namibia. First, we need to strengthen the independence and transparency of the Electoral Commission to restore public confidence in the electoral process. Campaign finance rules should also be reformed to ensure the ruling party does not disproportionately benefit from state resources, so the playing field is more level. The introduction of proportional representation in parliament could further diversify political representation and ensure a better political reflection of social diversity.

It is also crucial to empower civil society and the media. A free and strong press and a cohesive civil society are essential to holding leaders to account, advocating for necessary reforms and ensuring people’s voices are heard.

What are the main challenges facing the new government?

The challenges are significant and varied. Unemployment is the biggest problem, particularly among young people who are frustrated by the lack of opportunities. It will require bold initiatives to address this, by stimulating economic growth and attracting investment in industries such as technology, tourism and renewable energy.

Corruption is another major challenge, with recent scandals undermining trust in public institutions. The new government should prosecute corrupt officials and strengthen oversight mechanisms.

Housing is a persistent problem. Despite Namibia’s small population, a significant number of people live in informal settlements without access to basic infrastructure. It will be essential to expand affordable housing programmes to address this problem.

Education and healthcare are also in dire need of reform. Many schools and hospitals are in bad condition, and there are significant inequalities between urban and rural areas. Investment in these sectors would improve the quality of life and create jobs.

Finally, Nandi-Ndaitwah faces her own challenges as Namibia’s first female president. She will have to overcome prejudice and prove her leadership in a male-dominated political landscape. At the same time, as a 72-year-old leader, she will need to make an effort to connect with a younger generation eager for change. The way she balances tradition with modernity will be crucial to her success.