Namibia votes for new president in most competitive election in decades

FILE PHOTO: Namibia's President Nangolo Mbumba greets presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia's ruling party SWAPO, at a rally ahead of the upcoming elections in Windhoek, Namibia, November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Noah Tjijenda/File Photo

WINDHOEK (Reuters) -Voters waited in long queues outside polling stations in Namibia's capital Windhoek on Wednesday morning to cast their ballots for a new president and parliament in what could be a tough election to win for the ruling SWAPO party.

SWAPO has governed the southern African nation since leading it to independence from apartheid South Africa in 1990. Its presidential candidate, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, would be the country's first female leader if she wins.