Namibia’s ruling party presidential candidate leads in early results of an election characterized by technical problems which caused voting to be extended for three days.

Partial results from Namibia’s elections show the sparsely populated southwest African nation is on course to appoint its first female leader since it gained independence almost 35 years ago.

Ndaitwah, of the SWAPO Party of Namibia won the presidential elections to become the second woman to hold such a position in Africa.

Ndaitwah, could become the nation’s first female president if she wins the highly anticipated presidential election

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.

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,

Despite the many challenges, Nandi-Ndaitwah has “always believed in teamwork, that is what made me achieve what I have achieved.”

Analysts say the outcome could depend on young voters, who make up more than half of the electorate. Namibians are also choosing new members of parliament. Namibia is a vast and peaceful country with a sparse population of about three million, around half of whom are eligible to vote.

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.