By John Ikani
Namibia’s ruling party, Swapo, has named its vice-president and current deputy prime minister, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, as its candidate for next year’s elections.
President Hage Geingob made the announcement on Saturday during a meeting with the party’s top members, urging them to support Nandi-Ndaitwah when the official campaigns begin.
Geingob also called for party unity and urged members not to create factions based on the outcome of the party nominations.
The move comes as Geingob prepares to step down next year after serving two terms, having first been elected in 2014.
Swapo has been in power since Namibia gained independence and is the country’s biggest political party.
However, its popularity has declined due to public discontent over high unemployment rates and allegations of corruption involving senior party officials.
The party lost its two-thirds majority in parliament during the 2019 general election and also lost control of key municipalities, including the capital Windhoek, and several regional councils.
With Nandi-Ndaitwah as its candidate, Swapo hopes to regain the support of the Namibian electorate and maintain its grip on power in the upcoming elections.
