Botswana Voters Oust Ruling Party After Nearly 60 Years in Power

In a significant political shift, Botswana’s ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has lost control after nearly 60 years of uninterrupted power since the country gained independence in 1966. The opposition coalition, led by lawyer Duma Boko, won a decisive majority in the National Assembly, putting an end to the BDP’s reign.

Economic issues played a major role in the election outcome. President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who had been seeking a second term, faced mounting criticism over the country’s economic performance. Botswana’s economy, heavily reliant on diamond exports, has suffered a major downturn, with diamond revenue declining by nearly 50% this year due to slowing global demand. This economic setback, alongside rising unemployment—now at around 27%—and concerns over Botswana’s dependence on diamonds, fueled calls for economic diversification and reform.

Masisi’s administration also faced opposition from former president Ian Khama, a once-prominent BDP figure who openly campaigned against Masisi after a falling-out, deepening divisions within the party. This internal rift, combined with public discontent over limited economic opportunities and environmental challenges like drought, weakened the BDP’s traditional support base.

Boko and his coalition have promised reforms aimed at economic diversification, focusing on sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and mineral processing. This new leadership signals a potential shift toward addressing longstanding economic issues and reducing the nation’s reliance on diamond exports.

The election marks a milestone for Botswana’s democracy, demonstrating a commitment to peaceful transitions and political change. While the opposition takes on the task of governing, the nation’s future will hinge on addressing economic challenges and uniting a divided populace in the wake of this landmark political turnover.