GABORONE: Botswana will hold its general elections on October 30, President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced on Tuesday.
In a televised address, Masisi said that the two days of voting, October 30 and 31, will be designated as public holidays to encourage widespread participation.
The current parliament of Botswana is set to be dissolved on September 5. Candidates for the presidential race must be submitted by September 28. Nominations for parliamentary and local council positions are due by October 4.
Masisi, who is seeking a second five-year term, will face competition from Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and Dumelang Saleshando of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP).
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has governed the country since its independence from Britain in 1966, confirmed Masisi as its candidate on Saturday. The following day, Masisi launched the party’s manifesto, which highlights promises of job creation and economic growth.
In the 2019 elections, the BDP secured just over 52 percent of the vote, defeating the UDC, which garnered nearly 36 percent. Masisi, 63, ascended to the presidency in 2018 following a carefully managed succession plan within the BDP, which saw former President Ian Khama step down 18 months before the election.
Botswana, a country with a population of approximately 2.5 million, is known for its stability and diamond-rich economy. Diamonds account for over 90 percent of its total exports, and the country is recognized for its robust institutions and prudent economic management.
However, recent concerns have emerged regarding Masisi’s administration. According to a 2024 report by pan-Africa pollster Afrobarometer, there have been allegations of corruption and nepotism, particularly related to the awarding of large government contracts to family members.
