Vote counting is underway in Namibia after one of the most competitive elections since the country gained independence from white-ruled South Africa 34 years ago.
The election faced logistical challenges, with voting extended to an unscheduled second day on Thursday in some areas.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the candidate of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), is aiming to become Namibia’s first female president.
She seeks to succeed Hage Geingob, who passed away in February after serving nine years as president.
But high unemployment, poverty, inequality and corruption allegations have eroded support for the party.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s main challenger is Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party, as well as 13 other candidates.
Long queues were reported at schools and other polling centres throughout the day on Wednesday. But there were reports of ballot shortages at some polling stations.
The voting, which started at 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT) was due to end at 21:00. But some polling stations still had a large number of voters waiting within their compounds to cast a ballot.
Electoral commission spokesman Siluka De Wet told the AFP news agency on Thursday morning that “some people were still voting”.
Elsewhere, local media were reporting the results from some polling stations.
Several opposition parties had asked for the voting to be extended until Thursday because of the logistical issues.
Swapo has been in power since leading the country to independence in 1990.
A candidate requires more than 50% of the votes for outright victory, or there will be a second round run-off between the top two candidates.
Results are however expected over the coming days.
