By Elezo Libanda
Katima Mulilo, 3 August – Namibia is on the brink of a historic moment as it stands a chance to elect its first female president. The ruling party has nominated Deputy Prime Minister Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwa as its vice president, positioning her as the frontrunner for the party’s leadership in the upcoming Presidential and national elections in 2024.
Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwa has been a member of the National Assembly since 1990, and her extensive experience in international relations is regarded as one of her strengths. Throughout her career in government, she has served in various capacities, including as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Information and Broadcasting, among other ministries.
The candidate, formerly known as NNN during the pre-Swapo 6th congress campaigns, is a vocal advocate for women’s empowerment. Although her rise to prominence was unexpected, with some senior members of the government distancing themselves from supporting her during the campaigns held in various towns, the question remains whether those who publicly shunned her will face consequences for their actions if she becomes President. The ongoing battle for political alignment and favor with the President in waiting has some announcing their unavailability, possibly hinting at forced political retirement come 2024.
In the past, several senior comrades faced repercussions for denouncing their political allegiance to certain leaders publicly. Considering the current fragile political environment, the ruling party must tread carefully when handling internal opponents, as their actions could give an advantage to opposition parties struggling to gain support from the electorate.
Swapo has been at the helm of Namibian politics since independence and remains the country’s largest political party. However, its popularity has recently waned due to discontent over widespread unemployment and corruption linked to senior party officials. – Namibia Daily News
