FILE PHOTO: Supporters of Namibia's ruling party SWAPO, attend a mass rally ahead of the upcoming elections in Windhoek, Namibia, November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Noah Tjijenda/File PhotoSource: REUTERS
Namibia's opposition presidential candidate, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), has expressed strong confidence in his party’s prospects as the nation votes in a presidential and legislative election.
The election could potentially end the ruling South West Africa People's Organisation’s (SWAPO) 34-year dominance of Namibian politics.
Speaking on election day, Itula commended the democratic maturity of Namibia, which gained independence just over three decades ago.
“We are extremely optimistic, extremely hopeful of the results, and we know that we will emerge victorious,” he stated. He praised the democratic process, calling it an exemplary model that the world is watching.
Itula commended all political parties for their dignified approach to the campaign, emphasising the shared national identity despite political differences. “We conducted this electoral process admirably. I am proud of how political leaders and their supporters carried themselves during the campaign,” he told the AFP, noting the collaboration between parties like PDM, SWAPO, LPM, AR, and others.
Itula further called for unity and patriotism in accepting the will of the Namibian people. He expressed hope for a “new dawn and a new era” in how the country’s public affairs are managed. Reflecting on IPC’s rapid rise in just four years, he remarked, “It’s a unique situation in Africa and the world for a party of our age to challenge a revolutionary movement like SWAPO successfully.”