Ongoing collation of polling results in Namibia

By Kasim Isa Muhammad

Kanempress News

28th November 2024

Collation of polling results is underway in Namibia following what many consider the most fiercely contested elections in decades.

There were long queues on Wednesday at the polling stations throughout the day as the youthful population cast their ballot for a new president and parliament.

Voting closed at nine in the evening local time and initial figures suggested that there was a high voter turnout.

The South West Africa People’s Organisation, SWAPO, had ruled Namibia since leading it to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990.

If SWAPO wins, its presidential candidate, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, will become Namibia’s first female leader.

In the run-up to the polls, however, analysts said there was a strong possibility that ruling party could be ousted by young people, who make up 64 per cent of registered voters.

To be elected president, a candidate must get over 50 per cent of the vote or there will be a run-off.