Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is aiming to become Namibia's first female leader amid a presidential election marked by economic hardships and a desire for change in the southern African nation. As the ruling SWAPO party faces waning support,

A woman who joined Namibia’s independence movement in the 1970s is a strong contender to become its first female leader as the country votes in a presidential election.

Ndaitwah, 72, is the current vice president and the ruling SWAPO party's candidate for president. She's already in the lead after special voting among citizens overseas and the armed forces.