Voting begins in Namibia
2004-11-15 07:57
Windhoek - Outgoing President Sam Nujoma opened polls in Namibia on Monday by casting the first vote to elect his successor in the vast southwest African country.
Smiling broadly, Nujoma voted at a downtown polling station off the capital Windhoek's Independence Avenue just after 07:00.
"I'm calling on all Namibian citizens to line up in peace and exercise their democratic rights to ensure that we continue with peace, stability and economic development," Nujoma told reporters on leaving the United Building voting station.
Nujoma, 75, is stepping down in March after 14 years in power and is expected to be succeeded by his handpicked successor, lands minister Hifikepunye Pohamba, 69, widely tipped to win the presidential election.
Voters are choosing a president and representatives to the 72-seat national assembly in the country of 1.82 million people. The ruling Swapo party is expected to win a strong majority in parliament.
Just over 977 000 voters are to choose between seven presidential candidates and nine political parties at some 1 168 polling stations around the country.
- AFP