NAMIBIË
— Also: Namibia.
— Officially: Republic of Namibia.
— Seat of government: Windhoek.
— Status: Democratic.
— Structure: The president is elected directly and leads the government and appoints the ministers. The parliament comprises a National Assembly, elected by party-list proportional representation, and a much-weaker National Council, chosen by regional governments.
— Governing party: South West Africa People’s Organization.
— Heads of government: Hage Geingob, president; Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, prime minister.
— Other legislative parties: Democratic Turnhalle Alliance of Namibia, Rally for Democracy and Progress, All People’s Party, United Democratic Front, National Unity Democratic Organization, Communist Party of Namibia, South West Africa National Union, United People’s Movement, Republican Party.
— Assessment: Democratic since independence from South Africa (1990), but notably illiberal in a number of ways under independence leader Sam Nujoma (1990-2005) of SWAPO; there has yet to be a transfer of power. A treason trial began in 2003 against separatists from Caprivi; eleven separatists died in custody, and many of the survivors allege torture. Nujoma did not seek a fourth term as president in 2004, though he did secure the SWAPO nomination for his own choice, Hifikepunye Pohamba (2005-15), who won handily, as did SWAPO’s parliamentary ballot. A 2014 election was won by SWAPO with a large majority; presidential candidate Geingob (prime minister, 1990-2002, 2012-5) took 87% of the vote against numerous challengers.
— FH: 2-2, free. Econ: 6.48 (64), flawed democracy.
— Updated: 2015 June 19.
O.T. FORD