Botswana is set to hold elections today that will determine whether President Mokgweetsi Masisi secures a second term, with the declining demand for diamonds taking center stage in the discussions.
Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been in power since 1966 and is favored to win, although its popularity has waned. Voters will elect members of the National Assembly, with the largest party subsequently selecting the president.
The BDP’s main challenge comes from a fragmented opposition, particularly the Umbrella for Democratic Change, a coalition led by lawyer Duma Boko.
Additionally, two other parties have fielded presidential candidates.
Economic issues have dominated the electoral campaign. Although Botswana ranks among the wealthiest nations per capita in sub-Saharan Africa due to its diamond resources, a downturn in the global diamond market has led to a revised economic growth forecast of just 1% for 2024.
Opposition parties have criticized Masisi for the slow growth rate, as well as high levels of inequality and unemployment.
In response, Masisi claims that his initiatives to boost job creation and economic improvement were hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic but asserts that they remain on track.
As the world’s leading producer of diamonds by value, Botswana has faced challenges in diversifying its economy.
The BDP’s development strategy, as outlined in its manifesto, focuses on enhancing agricultural production and mineral processing.
Masisi ascended to the presidency in 2018 as part of a planned transition following his predecessor Ian Khama’s decade-long tenure.
He retained his position after the 2019 elections, in which the BDP secured 38 out of 57 contested seats.
According to the electoral commission, over a million of Botswana’s 2.3 million residents are registered to vote.
Election results are typically announced within a few days.
