By GABORONE, Botswana — Red campaign posters for Botswana’s ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) flooded the capital on Tuesday as political parties held final rallies ahead of Wednesday’s general election. In contrast, a handful of blue-themed posters for the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) appeared around the university, where support for the left-leaning coalition is strongest.
Incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi, 63, headlined the BDP’s final rally in Gaborone, with over 300 supporters in attendance. Decked out in party colors, attendees danced under the night sky, cheering as Masisi urged them to secure victory in the capital. “In 2019, we had a clean sweep of Gaborone. This year, I want to polish,” Masisi told the crowd.
Many in Botswana are calling for change after the BDP’s 58-year hold on power, and frustrations with issues like economic slowdown and unemployment are widespread. “Since our independence, we’ve been ruled by the same people, with the same mindset,” said 23-year-old Ookeditse Letshwenyo, a self-employed voter who supports UDC.
While the BDP remains strong, especially in rural areas, it faces challenges in Gaborone as some young voters express disillusionment. Finance student Mpho Keorapetse, 21, shared a common sentiment: “The campaigns haven’t given me a reason to want to vote.”
The UDC has struggled to unify opposition support after key partners, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), split from the alliance to run their own candidates. Letshwenyo commented, “You can’t win BDP while you are divided.”
Former President Ian Khama, who had backed Masisi before a public fallout, recently returned to Botswana to campaign against him. Although Khama’s involvement has stirred controversy, analysts believe his influence will be limited.
In Wednesday’s vote, Botswanans will choose their next leader under the first-past-the-post system, with the party holding the most parliamentary seats forming the government. As Botswana faces challenges including a slowing economy and high unemployment, the outcome could shape the nation’s future significantly.
