NAMIBIA ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL ELECTIONS SET FOR NOV. 27

Sat 26 October 2024:

Namibia will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on Nov. 27, the president has announced.

“President Nangolo Mbumba has declared Wednesday, 27 November 2024, as a public holiday. This declaration has been made to facilitate the general election for the election of the President and members of the National Assembly,” said a statement by the Namibian Presidency late Friday.

In it, Mbumba urged all eligible voters to seize the opportunity to fulfill their democratic duty by turning out in large numbers to vote.

Mbumba has been in office as transitional leader since February, when he was sworn into office after the death of Hage Geingob, who he had served as vice president.

Geingob was serving his second and final term which was due to run until November but bowed out after announcing he was diagnosed with cancer.

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Namibia, one of southern Africa’s most resource-rich countries, faces ongoing economic and employment challenges. Despite its wealth in minerals like diamonds and uranium, Namibia’s economy has struggled to sustain steady growth, with the COVID-19 pandemic further straining sectors such as tourism and mining.

High inflation and rising living costs have placed added pressure on citizens, especially in urban areas where food, housing, and transport prices have soared.

Youth unemployment in Namibia has been on an upward trend since 2012, rising from 37.8% to 43.4% in just four years. While the country recorded the highest youth unemployment rate in 2016 compared to previous years, the current local and global economic climate means that it is likely that youth unemployment will continue to rise in coming years.

Gender and age are two additional dimensions along which disparities in youth unemployment are evident. Specifically, youth unemployment is higher among females than males, and particularly severe among the youngest youth. Female youth unemployment stands at 49% compared to 37% for males.

The country is also grappling with limited industrialization, as manufacturing and technology sectors lag behind, making job creation challenging.

The government has initiated projects to stimulate job growth, such as investments in renewable energy and support for small businesses. However, with structural challenges like limited skill development, high dependency on imports, and regional economic instability, achieving economic diversification and reducing unemployment will be difficult.

Addressing these issues is crucial for Namibia’s future economic stability and social well-being.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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