Botswana’s Ruling Party Loses Power After Nearly 60 Years, Early Election Results Show

Breakdown of Election Results

The electoral commission’s initial figures revealed that the BDP had only secured a single seat by early Friday morning while opposition parties surged ahead. The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, took 22 seats. The Botswana Congress Party (BCP), under economist Dumelang Saleshando, claimed eight seats. Additionally, the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), established by supporters of former President Ian Khama, captured five seats.

Opposition Victory Confirmed by Local News

According to the newspaper Mmegi, which provided updates on social media, “As of 05:04 AM, November 1, 2024, opposition parties have garnered more than half of the parliamentary seats.” This shift marks the official loss of power for the BDP, ending its long-standing governance of Botswana.

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Background on President Masisi

President Masisi, a former educator and UNICEF worker now 63 years old, had widely been expected to secure another term. This unforeseen loss has brought his political trajectory to an abrupt end, altering the country’s direction under a new leadership.

Economic Challenges Facing Botswana

Botswana, often lauded as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, faces significant economic difficulties. The country, which ranks among the wealthiest in Africa due to its diamond reserves, has seen a decline in economic growth due to a global drop in diamond demand. Diamonds account for more than 80 per cent of Botswana’s exports, and this slump has impacted economic performance and job prospects.

According to the International Monetary Fund, Botswana’s economic growth is anticipated to slow to 1 per cent in 2024, down from 2.3 per cent in 2023 and 5.5 per cent in 2022. This downturn has also led to rising unemployment, now standing at 27 per cent, with youth unemployment even higher.

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BDP’s Attempted Economic Reforms

In the lead-up to the election, the BDP acknowledged the need to diversify Botswana’s economy, pledging to shift focus toward other growth sectors like agriculture and tourism. Despite these promises, the party struggled to gain traction among voters increasingly concerned with economic stagnation and limited job opportunities.