Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party has elected Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as its first female vice president in a move likely to see a woman occupying State House in 2024 when the country is due to hold general elections.
President Hage Geingob on Monday announced the elevation of Nandi-Ndaitwah, 70, to the second highest position in the South West Africa People’s Organisation, a party credited with bringing majority rule to Namibia. SWAPO has been in power since Namibia’s independence in 1990.
“We have made history by electing the first female president come 2024,” Geingob said.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, who is currently Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, saw off the challenge of Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and Environment Minister Pohamba Shifeta in the race for the position.
The result makes Nandi-Ndaitwah the frontrunner to lead SWAPO when Namibians go to the polls to elect a president in 2024. The polls would be held concurrently with elections to choose members of parliament.
Geingob was elected SWAPO president in 2014 and is due to step down at the end of his second and final term in 2024.
JN/APA