Botswana is set to hold a general election on Wednesday, where President Mokgweetsi Masisi will face three challengers in his bid for a second term in office. Though Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has governed since Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966, a divided opposition has left the race competitive but tilted in BDP’s favor, analysts suggest.
As the world’s top diamond producer by value, Botswana has achieved stability and prosperity with free healthcare and education for its 2.3 million citizens. However, a recent downturn in the diamond market has pressured the country’s revenue, exposing vulnerabilities in its dependence on diamonds and posing a significant challenge for Masisi’s government, which has struggled to diversify the economy.
Masisi defended his economic record during a recent presidential debate, acknowledging the revenue shortfall from diamond sales since April but emphasizing that the country’s economic fundamentals remain stable. “We are committed to continuing projects and policies that will bring wealth into the hands of our citizens,” he said. During his first term, he successfully renegotiated Botswana’s diamond deal with De Beers, securing a larger share of diamond revenue for the country, and lifted a ban on elephant hunting, a decision he claims has benefited rural communities.
Leading the opposition is Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, along with candidates Dumelang Saleshando of the Botswana Congress Party and Mephato Reatile of the Botswana Patriotic Front, the latter supported by former President Ian Khama. Boko has criticized Masisi’s handling of the economy, pointing to the nation’s 28% unemployment rate and persistent poverty despite Botswana’s relative wealth. Pledging to raise the minimum wage and increase social grants, Boko argues that these changes could be funded by cutting wasteful government spending.
Although the BDP has retained a large majority in parliament, winning 38 of 57 seats in 2019, its popularity has seen gradual decline. The opposition, however, remains hindered by limited resources. “The playing field is not even,” noted Ringisai Chikohomero of the Institute for Security Studies. Following the 2019 election, the opposition alleged electoral fraud but saw their challenge dismissed by the High Court.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the outcome of this election will not only determine Botswana’s next leader but also its strategy to navigate economic challenges in a post-diamond era.
