President Prepares to Hand Over Power
After 14 years in office, President Sam Nujoma is preparing to step down as Namibia holds elections Monday and Tuesday.
The 75-year-old Nujoma led the southwest African nation to independence and is the only leader its 1.8 million people have ever known. Neutral observers expect the election to be free and fair. Hifikepunye Pohamba, Nujoma’s handpicked successor, is expected to win.
Abroad, Nujoma is known for making outlandish statements, such as claiming AIDS was a man-made biological weapon. But he is revered at home for almost single-handedly bringing about peace, freedom from South Africa and stability.
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