Namibia’s Ruling Party Set to Retain Power Amid Elections

Early results from Namibia’s elections indicate the ruling South West African People’s Organisation (Swapo) is on track to extend its nearly 35-year reign. With votes counted from 15 of 121 constituencies, Swapo holds 55.7% of support, compared to 18.2% for the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), according to the electoral commission.

In the presidential race, Swapo’s candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, leads with 48.1% of the votes tallied from 10 constituencies, while IPC founder Panduleni Itula has 28.9%. Unofficial results on Namvotes24 show Nandi-Ndaitwah leading with 62% of votes from 342,138 counted.

Swapo, which won 65.5% in 2019, faces growing criticism over unemployment, corruption, and inequality. However, the country’s potential as a future oil and gas producer following major offshore discoveries has heightened the stakes.

By Daba Finance.