In a surprising turn of events, several senior ministers in Namibia's government have fallen outside the 51 parliamentary seats secured by Swapo in the 2024 National Assembly elections. The results, announced by the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) tonight, mark a significant shake-up in the country's political landscape.
The ministers who missed out include:
1. Peya Mushelenga – Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
2. Tom Alweendo – Minister of Mines and Energy
3. Itah Kandjii-Murangi – Minister of Higher Education, Training, and Innovation
4. Frans Kapofi – Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs
5. Utoni Nujoma – Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation
6. Christine //Hoebes – Minister in the Presidency (Presidential Affairs)
7. Erastus Uutoni – Minister of Urban and Rural Development
8. Obeth Kandjoze – Minister of National Planning Commission
9. Anna Nghipondoka – Minister of Basic Education
This outcome highlights a significant shift in Swapo’s political dominance, which has seen a gradual decline in recent years. Analysts suggest that the exclusion of these high-profile figures may lead to major changes in the party’s leadership and strategy moving forward.
As the nation reflects on the implications of this election, attention now turns to how Swapo will navigate these challenges and restructure its team for the next legislative term.