South African Correspondent
Botswana votes in general elections yesterdayday, with the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) seeking to extend its nearly six-decade rule and secure a second term for President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Over a million people are registered to vote, and polls opened at 6:30 a.m. local time.
There are four presidential candidates in the running, including Masisi.
Voters have expressed concerns about unemployment, which has reached 27%, as well as government corruption and mismanagement. However, the ruling party attributes the economic woes to the COVID-19 pandemic and weakened demand for diamonds.
Some citizens, like Lone Kobe, are eager for change, saying,
“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.”
Others, like Queen Mosiane, remain loyal to the BDP, citing its support during difficult times.
The opposition is fragmented, with the main alliance, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), losing two key members recently. Analysts believe this division may hinder their chances of winning.
Key Election Facts:
- Number of Seats: 61 seats are up for grabs in parliament.
- Winning Conditions: The first party to secure 31 seats will be declared the winner.
- Voting Hours: Polling stations close at 7 p.m. local time.
- Results: Expected late Thursday.
The election’s outcome will determine whether the BDP continues its six-decade rule or if a new party will take the reins.
Zimbabwe has been accused of meddling in elections with claims that the ruling BDP is bussing Zimbabweans to vote at various polling stations.
“Zimbabwean nationals are already in our cities, towns, and villages. They arrived in buses paid for by our taxes. They are here to vote for the BDP just as they did in Mozambique for the ruling party,” the statement read.
The accusations were laid by the UDC who has called on Botswana citizens to document the presence of these individuals by taking photos and videos and warning them not to approach polling stations.
Zim GBC News©2024