WINDHOEK, Dec. 4 (AGCNewsNet) - Namibia is on the verge of electing its first female president, as Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah from the ruling SWAPO party holds a commanding lead in the country's election, with over 54 percent of votes counted. Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, is poised to make history, potentially becoming the first woman to lead the sparsely populated and arid country of approximately three million people.

With nearly two-thirds of the vote counted, Nandi-Ndaitwah has garnered just over 54 percent of the votes, while her main challenger, Panduleni Itula of the opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), trails with just over 28 percent, according to the Electoral Commission. If the final tally shows Nandi-Ndaitwah with more than 50 percent, she will avoid a runoff and become Namibia's next president.

However, Itula, 67, has already dismissed the election results, alleging numerous irregularities. He has stated that, regardless of the outcome, the IPC will not recognize the election as free, fair, or legitimate. “The rule of law has been grossly violated, and we cannot call these elections by any means or measure as free, fair and legitimate,” Itula asserted on Saturday.

The results released early Tuesday are based on returns from 79 of the country’s 121 constituencies, including all but two in the capital, Windhoek. Voter turnout was high, with 73 percent of the nearly 1.5 million registered voters participating in the election, the commission reported.

SWAPO has governed Namibia since its independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990, but the party faces growing discontent from younger voters, who are frustrated by high youth unemployment and persistent economic inequalities.

If Nandi-Ndaitwah wins, it will be a significant milestone for the country, marking the first time a woman has led the country since its independence.

Stay connected with AGC NewsNet for the latest news from Africa.