Namibia votes for new president in most competitive election in decades

By Nyasha Nyaungwa

Voters waited in long queues outside polling stations in Namibia’s capital Windhoek on Wednesday morning to cast their ballots for a new president and parliament in what could be a tough election to win for the ruling SWAPO party.

SWAPO has governed the southern African nation since leading it to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. Its presidential candidate, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, would be the country’s first female leader if she wins.

Political analysts said there is a possibility SWAPO will be ousted by youth fed up with high unemployment, inequality and corruption allegations, although longstanding loyalty to the party among older and rural voters could help it pull through.

Polls opened at 0700 local time (0500 GMT) but some voters had been in place since the night before.

“I came here at 0630 (0430 GMT) but the queue was long. Previously in 2019 I