Botswana counts votes as Masisi seeks second term in office

October 31, 2024 2

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Vote counting is underway in Botswana after voters cast their ballot in general elections on Wednesday. Voting was orderly.

Counting for the municipal ballot started on Wednesday as polls closed late.

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is confident the results, which are expected late Thursday, will extend its 58 years in power.

But analysts anticipate a hung parliament when results are announced.

There are 61 parliamentary seats up for grabs. The first party to 31 seats gets declared the winner and it can install its candidate as president.

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President Mokgweetsi Masisi, one of the four candidates in the race is however expected to secure a second term. He was elected in 2019 with around 52% of votes.

Masisi first tenure was marked with lack of jobs for citizens.

Botswana has a stable democratic system since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, making it the oldest democracy in the region.

It has however been governed by the same party since independence with its economy over dependent on diamond.

Botswana is the second biggest producer of natural diamonds, behind Russia, and has been responsible for all the biggest rough gems found in the past decade.