Botswana’s long-standing ruling party, which has held power for nearly sixty years, is attempting to rebrand itself in the upcoming general election by adopting a phrase that’s typically associated with the opposition: “change.” In its manifesto, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) calls for citizens to “change together and build prosperity for all.” President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who has been in office since 2018, emphasizes in his introduction the need for a new approach.
Yet, analysts are cautious, noting that the BDP’s ability to enact real change is under scrutiny, especially from the opposition, which argues the party is ill-equipped for such a shift. Historically, the BDP has enjoyed substantial electoral success, having secured a strong parliamentary majority in each of the 11 elections since Botswana gained independence in 1966.
Despite this legacy, Botswana faces significant economic challenges that Masisi’s call for change aims to address. The World Bank reports that over 25% of the working population is unemployed, a figure that is even higher among the youth. Professor Zibani Maundeni from the University of Botswana labels it a “jobless economy,” highlighting the disconnect between the education system, which produces numerous graduates annually, and the labor market, which fails to provide adequate job opportunities.
Moreover, wealth distribution remains a pressing issue, with Botswana ranked among the world’s most unequal countries according to the Gini index. The diamond industry, long a cornerstone of Botswana’s economy, is under pressure as global demand declines.
Nonetheless, during a recent campaign rally in opposition territory, President Masisi showcased his confidence by arriving in a locally assembled electric vehicle. His entertaining demeanor and humor energized the crowd as he embraced supporters dressed in party colors. The area, which previously elected three opposition MPs in 2019, has a complex political history, including the fallout between Masisi and former President Ian Khama, who accused the government of attempting to poison him after he left the BDP to form a new party.
At the rally, Masisi appealed to voters, saying, “I am sorry, please come back home and also call others over.” Some attendees, like hair salon owner Thandiwe Potso, expressed optimism about Masisi’s leadership. She stated, “Masisi truly understands our challenges and brought better programs to fund our businesses.” Another supporter, Kabelo Selemo, echoed this sentiment, crediting Masisi’s policies for boosting local agriculture.
However, a recent opinion poll by Afrobarometer indicates that many citizens have a negative view of the government, citing corruption and a lack of trust in Masisi’s administration. Kagelelo Banks Kentse, a BDP spokesperson, countered the poll’s findings, insisting that past elections have underestimated the party’s support. He acknowledged the high unemployment rate but noted it’s a common issue across the continent, emphasizing the BDP’s commitment to creating 300,000 new jobs.
Dumelang Saleshando, leader of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), criticized the BDP for merely mimicking the ideas of others. His party’s campaign slogan, “Save Botswana,” aims to unite the public against the ruling party, which he believes can no longer claim to be a catalyst for change.
In the meantime, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which has garnered significant support, is also active in the campaign. Its leader, Duma Boko, has raised concerns about potential election rigging and stressed the importance of vigilance among voters.
While the BDP grapples with its challenges, divisions within the opposition may play to its advantage. The first-past-the-post electoral system allows the ruling party to win seats with just a plurality of votes, potentially splitting the opposition’s support among various parties.
Political analyst Lesole Machacha points out that the BDP is facing its own internal issues, with some politicians running as independents due to dissatisfaction with the primary process. As the election approaches, it remains unclear whether the BDP can convince enough voters that it is capable of leading the necessary changes that Botswana requires.
