Botswana’s General Election: Key Candidates and Issues at Stake

Botswana, known for being one of Africa’s most stable democracies, is gearing up for a crucial general election amidst significant economic challenges. Approximately 1 million eligible voters are set to cast their ballots, and the stakes are high as the country faces declining diamond revenues and severe drought conditions.

Botswana has a long history of peaceful transitions of power, having held democratic elections since gaining independence from British rule in the 1960s. However, as political tensions rise due to a changing political climate, there are concerns about potential post-election violence. This election will utilize an indirect election system where voters will select members of parliament, and the party that secures the majority will appoint the president.

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Botswana is rich in natural resources, particularly diamonds, and has the world’s second-largest reserves of this precious stone. Yet, the current economic landscape is fraught with difficulties as the country grapples with a significant drop in diamond revenue.

In this election, voters will select 61 members of the National Assembly and 609 local council representatives across 16 local authorities. The electoral system in place is a first-past-the-post model, wherein the political party securing the majority of seats will be tasked with electing the president.

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has maintained a dominant position in the political landscape since its inception in 1969. In the previous election in 2019, the BDP won 38 out of 57 contested seats, and they are anticipated to perform strongly again in the upcoming election.

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Key Candidates

1. Mokgweetsi Masisi
   Representing the BDP, the incumbent president is 63 years old and is seeking reelection for another term. Masisi’s leadership has been marked by internal strife within the BDP, particularly following a fallout with his predecessor, Ian Khama. The BDP retains considerable support, especially among the rural population and the Tswana ethnic majority, but faces growing discontent due to rising inflation and unemployment. Masisi’s administration has been criticized for its economic management amid a global downturn in diamond prices. While he has attempted to stabilize the economy, many citizens are frustrated by the impact of the diamond market’s fluctuations on local employment and living standards.
2. Duma Boko
   Boko, a 54-year-old lawyer, heads a coalition of opposition parties known as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). His coalition was the closest challenger to the BDP in the 2019 elections, securing 15 seats. Boko is seen as a significant threat to Masisi’s presidency, leveraging promises of job creation and government stipends to attract young voters.
3. Dumelang Saleshando
   Leading the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Saleshando is 53 years old and represents another key opposition voice. The BCP has historically captured 10-20% of the vote in prior elections. The party aims to “save Botswana” and has pledged to increase the average monthly wage significantly by 2029, addressing the economic disparities faced by many citizens.
4. Mephato Reatile
   The leader of the Botswana Patriotic Front, Reatile is associated with a newer political movement that emerged from former President Khama’s faction. His party currently holds four parliamentary seats and has garnered attention with Khama’s recent return from self-imposed exile to rally support against the BDP.

Key Election Issues

1. Economic Challenges
   Botswana’s economy, once bolstered by diamond exports, is now facing severe challenges due to a decline in global diamond prices. The shift towards synthetic diamonds has further complicated the situation, leading to fears of mass layoffs and increased inflation, impacting citizens’ quality of life. Debswana, the joint venture between Botswana and De Beers, reported a staggering 47% drop in sales during the first half of 2024, raising concerns about job security in the mining sector.
2. Unemployment and Inequality
   Despite Botswana’s wealth, the country faces a high unemployment rate of 27%. Income inequality remains a significant issue, with vast disparities between the rich and poor, exacerbated by historical inequities that date back to colonial times.
3. Climate Change and Drought
   The country is experiencing severe droughts exacerbated by climate change, threatening food production and water supply. Over 10% of the population faces chronic food insecurity, with agricultural yields plummeting to just 23% of the national requirement during recent seasons. In July 2023, Botswana declared a state of emergency due to the drought. The government has also been under pressure regarding its management of wildlife, particularly elephants, as Masisi advocates for controlled hunting to alleviate environmental pressures.
4. Democratic Processes
   Critics of Masisi accuse him of undermining democratic principles, particularly with regard to laws around trophy hunting. However, analysts argue that the government has maintained a stable democratic framework despite ongoing frustrations surrounding constitutional reforms, which are anticipated to address several key issues, including the eligibility of dual citizens for parliamentary elections and protections for the LGBTQ community.

As Botswana prepares for its general election, the political landscape is charged with tension, and the outcome may significantly influence the country’s economic trajectory. With Masisi facing challenges from a more united opposition and growing public dissatisfaction, the upcoming polls could reshape the nation’s political dynamics. Regardless of the outcome, the focus will remain on addressing economic disparities and ensuring a stable democracy that caters to the needs of all Batswana.