Botswana held elections for its president and parliament, with long voter lines indicating high turnout amid concerns over economic issues, government corruption, and a divided opposition. Incumbent Mokgweetsi Masisi faces competition from multiple candidates, while the majority party, BDP, has ruled since independence in 1966. Voter discontent over inequality and a struggling economy fuels demands for real democracy and fair elections. Results are anticipated late Thursday as analysts suggest a potential shift in parliamentary power dynamics.
Botswana held elections on Wednesday to choose its president and parliament, with incumbent Mokgweetsi Masisi expected to maintain his position amid a fractured opposition, continuing the ruling party’s dominance for almost 60 years.
Long queues formed as voters patiently waited for hours, indicating a significant turnout from the over one million registered voters in this diamond-rich nation. Results are anticipated on Thursday evening.
Even after the polls officially closed at 7:00 pm, many citizens were still allowed to cast their votes in select locations, exercising their right among four candidates vying to lead the nation’s oldest democracy, as long as they arrived before the deadline.
Since gaining independence from the UK in 1966, Botswana has been governed by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has maintained its grip on power throughout this period.
“I hope for a new Botswana,” expressed 38-year-old Lone Kobe outside a polling station in the capital, Gaborone. “Only a small fraction of the population is reaping the rewards. The rest of us are mere spectators, as if watching a movie,” added the self-employed woman, highlighting the issue of inequality in the country.
“We demand genuine democracy and fair elections,” stated Muthisi Kemo, a 56-year-old unemployed voter, who raised concerns about potential electoral irregularities, with the opposition accusing the commission of bias favoring the ruling party.
Rising unemployment, reaching 27% due to a slowing economy, along with allegations of government corruption and mismanagement, are major concerns for the electorate.
Mokgweetsi Masisi, 63, cast his vote in Moshupa, his hometown located about 60 km west of Gaborone. He had previously won the presidency in 2019 with 52% of the votes. Observers wonder if the public’s dissatisfaction will translate into a downturn for the ruling party at the polls. Despite being the frontrunner, experts speculate that the BDP may lose its absolute majority in Parliament this time around.
– Divided Opposition –
“I don’t want a hung parliament; however, in other nations, negotiations typically follow such outcomes,” President Masisi stated in response to inquiries regarding this scenario.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by declining foreign exchange reserves and decreased global demand for diamonds—now competing with synthetic alternatives—he proposed solutions: “We aim to address this by distributing funds to citizens and enhancing infrastructure.”
“The BDP has accomplished significant achievements for the nation,” remarked Mompati Seekano, a 57-year-old unemployed man at the polling station. However, first-time voter Khumo Mase, 21, indicated that many young people are choosing not to vote: “They perceive their votes as insignificant, believing the system is rigged.”
The primary opposition is led by a left-leaning coalition known as the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), spearheaded by 54-year-old human rights attorney Duma Boko. His prospects faltered when key partners—the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF)—decided to promote their own presidential candidates. This division within the opposition severely impacts their chances in Botswana’s first-past-the-post electoral system.
With 61 parliamentary seats available, the first party to secure 31 seats will be declared the victor and will appoint its chosen presidential candidate.
Former president Ian Khama, a charismatic 71-year-old, unexpectedly returned to the campaign trail on the opposition side. However, analysts suggest his influence may be limited to a few areas, particularly those where he holds tribal authority.
“Many citizens feel they are not receiving a fair share of the country’s mineral wealth,” observes Tendai Mbanje, a researcher at the African Centre for Governance, despite the fact that revenue from these resources has underpinned significant advancements in education, healthcare, and modern infrastructure across the nation.