Botswana is currently encountering significant obstacles, primarily due to a decline in global diamond demand, which has adversely affected the economy. The call for reform has become apparent as it features prominently in the ongoing political campaigns.
The unemployment rate surged past 27% this year, with youth unemployment experiencing an even greater rise. The government has acknowledged a steep drop in diamond-related revenues, leading to criticism aimed at President Masisi and his party for their insufficient efforts in diversifying the economy. Recent budget cuts have been introduced as a response.
During the campaign, even the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) recognized the necessity of policy reforms and attempted to reassure voters of its capability to navigate the country through these economic challenges. Diamonds represent over 80% of Botswana’s exports and account for around a quarter of its GDP, according to the World Bank.
President Masisi indicated that the country has barely sold any diamonds since April through Debswana, a venture co-owned by the government and diamond giant De Beers.
The upcoming general elections in Botswana play a crucial role in shaping the parliament, which subsequently elects the president. The party securing the majority gets to nominate its presidential candidate. Notably, every president of Botswana since its independence has hailed from the BDP.
Boko, a 54-year-old attorney and Harvard Law School alumnus, previously ran for office in the 2014 and 2019 elections. He recently shared a campaign poster from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) featuring slogans like “Botswana First” and “Change is Here” on X (formerly Twitter).
As one of the longest-standing political parties in power in Africa, the BDP’s unexpected defeat came as a shock, especially since the race was anticipated to be competitive. This electoral outcome mirrors significant shifts in neighboring South Africa, where the African National Congress faced a historic loss in May, losing its majority and entering a coalition government for the first time after three decades of dominance.
In response to the election results, Masisi, 63, who previously worked as a high school teacher and for UNICEF, admitted, “I didn’t have my shoes ready” because the outcome was unforeseen.
