Botswana Residents Vote as Masisi Pursues Second Term
Polling stations have opened for Botswana’s national election, which will decide if the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) can extend its 58-year hold on power.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi, 63, is seeking a second and final term. His main rival is Duma Boko from the Umbrella for Democratic Change party, while Dumelang Saleshando of the Botswana Congress Party and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana Patriotic Front are also vying for the presidency.
Despite being recognized as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, Botswana faces significant economic challenges, prompting the BDP to acknowledge the need for policy changes. The country’s economic difficulties stem largely from declining demand for diamonds, which are crucial to its economy. Unemployment currently stands at 27%.
