Namibia Supreme Court Affirms Election, Paving Way for First Female President

Namibia's Supreme Court upheld the results of the 2023 presidential election, allowing SWAPO's Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to become the first female president. Opposition parties challenged the results, claiming election flaws, but the court ruled in favor of the extended voting period's legality.

Namibia's Supreme Court has validated last year's presidential election results, dismissing opposition parties' challenges and smoothing the path for Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to become the country's first female president.

The ruling SWAPO party secured victories in both the presidential and parliamentary elections in November, despite allegations from opposition groups concerning the election's validity. The opposition cited concerns over an extended voting period and other procedural issues.

Chief Justice Peter Shivute declared that the extension of voting days was legal, rejecting the challenge led by the Independent Patriots for Change and the Landless People's Movement. With the court's decision, SWAPO leader Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to assume office on March 21.

(With inputs from agencies.)