Botswana ruling party

Botswana is holding general elections as President Mokgweetsi Masisi seeks a second term, aiming to extend the Botswana Democratic Party's (BDP) nearly six decades in power since independence in 1966. The BDP, facing a divided opposition led by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), attributes economic challenges, including a 27% unemployment rate, to the COVID-19 pandemic and a global downturn in diamond demand. Voter concerns include government mismanagement and corruption, with calls for policy changes to diversify the economy, heavily reliant on diamonds. Polls opened at 6:30 am for over a million registered voters, and counting will begin after polls close at 7:00 pm. The BDP promises to address voter concerns and has emphasized its role in fostering peace and stability in Botswana. Results are expected within days following the close of polls.