Botswana’s long-ruling BDP party seeks to retain power in a high-stakes election as the country grapples with economic uncertainty and rising unemployment.
Voters in Botswana will head to the polls this week in a highly anticipated national election that will determine the fate of the country’s long-standing ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
The BDP has dominated Botswanan politics since the country’s independence from Britain in 1966, and incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi is seeking a second and final term in office.
However, this election comes at a time of growing economic uncertainty for Botswana, a leading diamond producer often lauded for its stability and relatively low levels of corruption.
The country’s reliance on diamond mining has resulted in a downturn in revenue, with sales of rough diamonds at the state-owned Debswana company falling by nearly 50% in the first half of 2024.
This has put a strain on the government’s finances, leading to delayed salaries for public employees and raising concerns about the need for austerity measures.
The opposition has seized on these economic challenges, criticizing the BDP for its failure to diversify the economy and address rising unemployment, particularly among the youth.
With unemployment levels exceeding 27% and youth unemployment above 45%, the electorate’s concerns over economic security are expected to be a significant factor in the election.
In response, the BDP has promised to focus on diversifying Botswana’s economy, with plans to invest in processing mineral resources, as well as developing the agriculture and tourism sectors.
However, the party’s long-standing dominance and Masisi’s political feud with former President Ian Khama, who has endorsed an opposition party, have added an element of uncertainty to the electoral landscape.
As Botswana’s voters head to the polls, the outcome of this election will not only determine the continuation of the BDP’s nearly six-decade rule but also the country’s ability to navigate the economic challenges it faces.
The electorate’s desire for economic stability and opportunity will be a crucial factor in shaping the future of this southern African nation.