Botswana Democratic Occasion stays a favorite regardless of sluggish financial development attributable to declining demand for diamonds.
Botswana is voting in a general election wherein President Mokgweetsi Masisi is in search of a second time period and his ruling social gathering hopes to increase its almost six many years in energy.
Masisi, 63, is competing towards three challengers on Wednesday for one more five-year time period. His Botswana Democratic Occasion (BDP) – which has ruled the nation of two.3 million folks for 58 years, since independence from British rule in 1966 – stays the favorite regardless of its reducing recognition.
The BDP faces a divided opposition with its largest problem coming from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), a coalition led by lawyer Duma Boko.
Additionally working for president are Dumelang Saleshando of the Botswana Congress Occasion and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana Patriotic Entrance.
The BDP – amongst Africa’s longest ruling events – retains a majority in parliament, having gained 38 of 57 contested seats in 2019.
Botswana is taken into account to be some of the secure international locations in Africa, however it’s going through financial challenges due to the worldwide downturn within the demand for diamonds, which it depends on. It’s the second largest producer of diamonds after Russia.
The nation has struggled to diversify its financial system. Unemployment has risen to 27 % this yr and is considerably increased for younger folks.
The BDP says it has listened to the considerations of voters and can pursue new income streams reminiscent of processing mineral sources and creating the agriculture and tourism sectors.
One among its marketing campaign slogans has been “Altering Collectively, Constructing Prosperity”.
Polls opened at 6:30am (04:30 GMT) for multiple million folks registered to vote. The election will decide the make-up of parliament, and lawmakers will later elect the president.
‘New Botswana’
“We’re involved about problems with employment and wage buildings,” Karabo Manguba, a 29-year-old gross sales govt at a radio station instructed The Related Press information company. “Voting is a patriotic effort, … and our voices should be heard.”
One other voter, 38-year-old Lone Kobe, instructed the AFP information company: “It’s my time to voice my opinion. I can’t wait. … I wish to expertise a brand new Botswana. We’re seeing a share of the inhabitants having fun with the advantages.”
Masisi got here to energy in 2018 by way of a deliberate transition after his predecessor Ian Khama served the utmost 10 years in workplace. He saved the job after a 2019 election gained by the BDP.
He managed to barter a brand new contract with diamond big, the De Beers Group, to present Botswana a larger share of its tough diamonds.
Diamonds account for greater than 80 % of Botswana’s exports and 1 / 4 of the gross home product (GDP), in accordance with the World Financial institution.
However Masisi acknowledged the downturn out there.
“Our diamonds haven’t been promoting since April so, sure, our revenues are down, however the financial fundamentals nonetheless stay intact,” he mentioned at a presidential debate final week.
Gross sales of tough diamonds at Debswana, the corporate the federal government collectively owns with De Beers, had been down almost 50 % within the first half of 2024, in accordance with the authorities.
Masisi additionally lifted a ban on elephant hunting, which he lauded as benefitting rural communities, and instated an import ban on some produce objects to assist farmers.
Opponents vying for change
The opposition says the BDP has been in energy for too lengthy and accuse it of financial mismanagement and corruption, which it denies.
“It isn’t acceptable {that a} nation reminiscent of ours, which is the fifth richest per capita in Africa, nonetheless has so many individuals dwelling in poverty,” the UDC’s Boko mentioned on the debate.
The UDC has pledged to greater than double the minimal wage from 1,500 pula ($112) per thirty days to 4,000 pula ($300) if it wins.
