Namibia Roundup: General elections, QatarEnergy stakes, first female president prediction

SWAPO's toughest election

Namibia's ruling party, SWAPO, faces a challenging election on November 27, as analysts suggest voters may be ready to oust it, similar to recent shifts in southern Africa's political landscape. Following significant losses by the ANC in South Africa and the Botswana Democratic Party, SWAPO's long-standing hold on power is at risk, especially among youth voters disillusioned by high unemployment and poor economic performance. According to ZimLive, unemployment for 15-34-year-olds in Namibia was estimated at 46% in 2018, prompting younger citizens to seek change through digital platforms and modernised political figures. With regional discontent over unfulfilled promises and corruption within liberation-era parties, Namibians may be inspired to vote for change, causing SWAPO to be increasingly nervous about its prospects.

QatarEnergy to acquire additional stakes in offshore blocks

QatarEnergy has agreed to acquire additional stakes in two offshore blocks in Namibia’s Orange Basin from TotalEnergies, increasing its interest in block 2913B to 35.25% and in block 2912 to 33.025%. TotalEnergies will retain a 45.25% stake in block 2913B and 42.48% in block 2912. The transaction is pending customary approvals. QatarEnergy aims to enhance its presence in Namibia's upstream sector, focusing on the development of the Venus discovery. In related news, QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil's joint venture received a three-year extension for the Golden Pass LNG plant in Texas and is negotiating a 15-year LNG supply agreement with Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Offshore Technology reports.

General elections on Wednesday

Namibia is set to vote on Wednesday, November 27, in its most competitive election yet for the ruling SWAPO party, which has governed for 34 years. A victory for SWAPO candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah would make her the first female president, while a loss would mark the first transition of power since independence in 1990. SWAPO's support has declined due to high unemployment, corruption allegations, and inequality, dropping from 87% in 2014 to 56% in 2019. Panduleni Itula, a former SWAPO member and leader of the Independent Patriots for Change, is the main opposition candidate. As reported by The Strait Times, political analysts suggest the election outcome will depend heavily on young voters turnout, who represent over half the electorate and are likely to favour the opposition. Namibia faces significant poverty and inequality, ranking second globally in income inequality. As SWAPO faces challenges similar to other independence-era parties, the election's fairness has been generally upheld by observers.

First female president expected on Wednesday

Namibia's Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is on track to potentially become the country's first female president in the upcoming elections, with over 1.4 million registered voters and 15 political parties competing. She leads in early polls from foreign missions, representing the South West Africa People's Organization (SWAPO), which has governed since 1990 but lost its two-thirds majority in 2019 due to allegations of corruption. Political analysts warn SWAPO needs to engage younger voters disenchanted with historical narratives. Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, aims to address high unemployment and improve women's rights if elected. The election follows significant political shifts in southern Africa, where traditional parties are facing challenges, reports VOA.

Survey shows 45% of children sexually, emotionally abused

A survey reveals that nearly 40% of Namibian girls and 45% of boys have faced physical, sexual, or emotional violence during childhood. The 2019 Violence Against Children and Youth survey highlights the widespread issue of sexual and emotional abuse in Namibia, with many survivors lacking necessary care. Only half of those experiencing physical violence report it, and just 15% have access to support. The World Health Organisation (WHO) emphasised the urgent need for stronger child protection measures in a report released on Wednesday, November 20, according to The Namibian.