Botswana is holding elections today, October 30, 2024, to determine whether President Mokgweetsi Masisi will secure a second term, with economic issues related to declining diamond demand at the forefront of the campaign.
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has governed the nation since 1966, remains the likely frontrunner despite a noted decrease in its popularity. Voters are electing members of the National Assembly, and the party that secures the most seats will choose the next president.
Masisi faces competition from the Umbrella for Democratic Change, a coalition led by lawyer Duma Boko, as well as two other parties that have fielded candidates for the presidency.
Economic concerns have been a significant topic during the election campaign. While Botswana is one of the wealthiest countries per capita in sub-Saharan Africa due to its diamond resources, the global diamond market’s downturn has led to a revised economic growth forecast of just 1% for 2024.
Critics have pointed to the slowing growth rate, as well as issues of inequality and unemployment, as challenges during Masisi’s presidency. The president attributes some of these economic difficulties to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic but insists that his plans for job creation and economic recovery are progressing.
As the world’s leading producer of diamonds by value, Botswana has encountered difficulties in diversifying its economy. The BDP’s development strategy, outlined in its manifesto, focuses on increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing mineral processing.
Masisi assumed office in 2018 following a planned transition from his predecessor, Ian Khama, who completed his maximum ten-year term. He was re-elected in 2019 when the BDP won 38 out of 57 contested parliamentary seats.
With over one million citizens registered to vote in a country of approximately 2.3 million people, election results are typically announced within a few days after polling concludes.
