A 72-year-old woman who joined Namibia's underground independence movement in the 1970s is a strong contender to become its first female leader as the country voted Wednesday in a presidential election.

Political analysts said there is a possibility SWAPO will be ousted by youth fed up with high unemployment, inequality and corruption allegations, although longstanding loyalty to the party

Namibia's eighth presidential and National Assembly elections kicked off early on Wednesday, with 15 presidential candidates and 21 political parties vying for leadership.

Namibians will vote on Wednesday in what is expected to be the most competitive election yet for the ruling SWAPO party, which has governed the southern African nation for 34 years.

Namibia’s Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah could become the country’s first female president if she wins the presidential election Wednesday.

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