Namibia looks forward to working with Biden

President Hage Geingob has joined the chorus of world leaders in congratulating Joe Biden and Kamala Harris after the Democratic Party emerged victorious in the United States (US) elections.

Various media networks in the US on Saturday declared Biden the next president of the United States, with his running mate Harris as the next vice president.

Biden’s victory was secured after he was announced the winner of the key swing state of Pennsylvania.

Victory there put him over the crucial number of 270 Electoral College votes required to win the presidency.

President Donald Trump has vowed to challenge the outcome, maintaining his views on voter fraud and corruption.

Nonetheless, President Geingob in a statement on Saturday congratulated presidentelect Joe Biden on his victory in the US Presidential elections.

The head of state said: “During our fight for freedom, they have come to know Biden as a principled senator who stood firm in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and the region.

Namibia looks forward to working with president-elect Joe Biden in the interest of stronger bilateral relations and a multilateral order that champions a better and fairer world”.

The opposition politicians have also congratulated Biden and Harris, with the leader of official opposition McHenry Venaani describing their electoral victory as a “historic win”.

“We call on President Trump to be gracious and concede defeat; democracy is a cycle of both winners and losers,” said Venaani, leader of the Popular Democratic Movement.

Ignatius Shixwameni of the All People’s Party said Biden’s win is good for the international community and humanity.

“That’s very great and good. It is good for the international community and humanity. It is progressive and I am very…proud of this historic development in the USA. God Bless the USA and its entire people,” he said.

Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, an economics lecturer at the University of Namibia is of the view that with the Biden victory, the United States and the global community will now be able to normalise relations.

As for what is in store for Africa and Namibia in particular, Kakujaha-Matundu does not expect much difference from the Trump administration.

“America will always be guided by her own interests as always has been the case. As for Kamala Harris vice presidency, it is a great victory and inspiration for the black girl all over the world,” he said, adding that “I am thrilled and equally excited to have her in that office.”