Botswana elections: Ruling party seeks to extend 58 years in power
Al JazeeraOct 29
Botswana: Ruling Party Loses 58-Year Majority
Above: Mokgweetsi Masisi marks his ballot on Oct. 30, 2024, during Botswana's general election. Image copyright: PHILL MAGAKOE/ Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Botswana's ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 58 years, coming in fourth place in Wednesday's general election. The BDP had governed the southern African nation since it became independent in 1966.
The main opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) party — which reached the 31-seat threshold to win a majority — was declared the election winner after incumbent Pres. Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat.
The Spin
Narrative A
The Botswana Democratic Party received a stunning rebuke for its failure to diversify the economy, increase the minimum wage and social grants, and fix rising unemployment, mismanagement, and corruption. This election result is a meaningful breakthrough for Botswana's democracy, which desperately needed to break one-party dominance to rescue itself.
Narrative B
The Umbrella for Democratic Change party's phenomenal rise and Boko's historic win is a relief for millions of Botswana citizens. As the nation enters a new period of profound change, the party will not only deliver on its promises, but it will also develop new growth drivers and make the diamond-rich country one of the wealthiest on the continent.