SADC sees regional decline in support for liberation movements

The Swapo party has retained power in Namibia’s recent elections, but it recorded its weakest performance since independence in 1990. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has made history as the country’s first female president. Swapo secured 51 of 96 parliamentary seats, garnering 53.4% of the vote—a sharp decline from the 65.5% it achieved in 2019. The party’s reduced majority reflects growing public frustration over unemployment, corruption, and inequality.

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), led by Panduleni Itula, emerged as a significant opposition force, winning 20 seats with 20.2% of the vote.

Political analyst Ndumba Kamwanyah highlighted the challenges Swapo faces in restoring public trust.

While Swapo veteran and former ambassador Tuliameni Kalomoh called for the ruling party to adopt a new approach to governance.

Regional Trends in Declining Liberation Movements

Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast, head of the Center for Security, Peace, and Conflict Resolution at Nelson Mandela University, noted that Swapo’s electoral decline is part of a broader regional trend of waning support for liberation movements in Southern Africa. He pointed to similar patterns in countries like South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, where former liberation movements are losing ground due to dissatisfaction with governance and socio-economic challenges.

Breakfast emphasized that election credibility hinges on the entire process, not just the voting day. He remarked on concerns raised by opposition parties about Namibia’s electoral logistics, including the availability of ballot papers and overall election management by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN).

Opposition Gains and Parliamentary Dynamics

Opposition parties have made significant inroads, reducing Swapo’s dominance in parliament. While Swapo still holds a majority, the growing influence of opposition parties could impact legislative processes.

The Affirmative Repositioning Movement, one of the opposition groups, boycotted the announcement of election results, underscoring tensions in the political landscape. Observers, including the African Union, have declared the elections free and fair but urged the ECN to address logistical issues before the upcoming inauguration.

With liberation movements across the region facing a decline, experts suggest that Swapo’s grip on power may weaken further in future electoral cycles.