Abstract:
Namibia’s first 25 years of independence were characterized politically by a democratic
regime influenced by the presidential governance of Sam Nujoma (1990–
2005) and Hifikepunye Pohamba (2005–2015). With Hage Geingob, sworn in on
Independence Day 2015, the third (and probably last) of the first ‘struggle
generation’ entered the highest state office on behalf of Swapo, the former liberation
movement now in firm political control. This article takes stock of Namibia’s
presidential democracy by summarizing the institutional and structural features
contributing to the strong executive role of Namibian presidents. It assesses the
terms in office of the first two Heads of State and provides insights into Geingob’s
path to office and his efforts to consolidate his status. It characterizes and compares
the different personalities of the Namibian presidents and their style of political rule.
It ends with a preliminary outlook at what might be expected from the current
president Hage Geingob.
