INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Botswana, a beacon of stability in Africa, faces a pivotal moment as voters head to the polls on October 30, 2024
political landscape after nearly six decades of rule by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).President Mokgweetsi Masisi, 63, seeks a second
His main rival, Duma Boko, heads the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition.Other parties vying for power include the Botswana
Congress Party and the Botswana Patriotic Front
Voters directly elect 57 members of the National Assembly.The winning party then selects the president, typically its leader
This indirect presidential selection has helped maintain political stability but faces growing scrutiny.Economic Woes Take Center Stage in
(Photo Internet reproduction)Economic issues dominate the campaign
BotswanaThe official jobless rate stands at 27%, but youth unemployment exceeds 45%
Opposition parties promise economic reforms and a higher minimum wage to address these challenges.Despite its democratic reputation,
Botswana faces criticism over electoral fairness
The 2019 elections saw allegations of fraud, though courts dismissed these claims.Questions linger about the independence of the Electoral
Commission and equal media access for all parties
Polling stations opened at 6:00 AM local time and will close at 7:00 PM.Officials expect to announce results within days of the vote
A high turnout could signal growing political engagement among Botswanans
account for 70% of foreign earnings
This dependence leaves the country vulnerable to global market fluctuations.Diversification remains a key challenge for any incoming
income inequality, and navigating regional diplomacy
