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Botswana, known for its rich diamond resources, voted in general elections on Wednesday, where the ruling party is focused on extending its nearly six-decade-long reign.
With President Mokgweetsi Masisi aiming for a second term, the outcome is crucial not only for the party’s future but also for Botswana’s continued development and economic resilience in a changing political landscape.
Polls opened at 6:30 am (0430 GMT) in Botswana, where more than a million registered voters are set to choose among four presidential candidates.
Botswana, recognized as the oldest democracy in the region, has been under the leadership of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, positioning this election as a crucial juncture for the future of the nation.
“It is my time to voice my opinion. I can’t wait,” said Lone Kobe, 38, who had been queueing since 3:15 am at a school in Gaborone hosting a polling station.
“I would like to experience a new Botswana. We are seeing a percentage of the population enjoying the benefits. We are just the spectators, like we are watching a movie,” said the self-employed woman, a light blanket around her shoulders.
“What we want is true democracy, transparency, and a free and fair election,” said Muthisi Kemo, a 56-year-old man who has been unemployed and arrived three hours ahead of the polling station’s opening. His determination to cast his vote reflects the collective hope of many citizens who long for an electoral process that genuinely represents their interests and aspirations.
He noted that there were irregularities in the operations of the Independent Electoral Authority (IEC) that appeared to benefit the ruling party, a claim echoed by opposition leaders in the days leading up to the elections. “It’s an open secret,” he stated, underscoring concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
The IEC has come under fire from opposition groups for several reasons, including its failure to release a digital version of the voters’ roll and the inadequate supply of ballot papers during early voting for public officers. These lapses have sparked widespread criticism and heightened fears about the overall reliability of the electoral system.
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An unemployment rate that has reached 27 percent amid a weakening economy has been one of the key concerns of voters ahead of the elections, alongside claims of government corruption and mismanagement.
But the ruling party points to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy, with weakened demand for diamonds also chipping away at revenues.
An energetic Masisi, 63, held a final campaign rally with about 400 cheering supporters in the capital late Tuesday, saying that he wanted to use his second term “to polish” what he started in his first five years.
Queen Mosiane, 34, said at the rally she was loyal to the party because its government had supported her when she became an orphan, including with education and healthcare covered by the state.
“We live peacefully in this country because of BDP,” she said. “It’s not time to change because we don’t know what are we inviting.”
“The opportunities that we find, and our kids are going to find in the future, are because of the BDP,” said civil servant Refile Kutlwano, 34, at the same rally. “The opposition is not ready to rule.”
