The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) unveiled its manifesto on Sunday ahead of the general election scheduled for later this year in the southern African nation. The election will be held in October as voters prepare to choose their president and local officials.
63-year-old President Mokgweetsi Masisi is set to run for re-election. His bid for another term will be a crucial focus of the upcoming polls, where he will seek to extend his presidency.
The presidential race will be a contest between Masisi and his primary opponents, including Duma Boko, the leader of the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change, and Dumelang Saleshando of the Botswana Congress Party.
Masisi called the party’s manifesto “a blueprint for a future in which every (Botswanan) can thrive” while speaking at the Royal Aria stadium in the country’s capital, Gaborone.
“I offer a promise… by voting for the BDP, you are selecting a vision of hope,” the political veteran said.
Masisi assumed leadership in April 2018 through the BDP’s well-planned succession process, during which former president Ian Khama resigned 18 months before the next elections.
BDP re-endorsed Masisi as their candidate on Saturday.
“We promise you an economy that works for everyone, fair wages, rule of law where all enjoy the dignity of their humanity in a secure home and country” the BDP said in its manifesto.
Among other vital issues, the party has prioritised job creation, democracy, and strengthening the financial system.
“Our brightest years are yet to come,” Masisi told the crowd.
“We pursued with vigour mineral beneficiation, we created partnerships with companies for diamond processing and we renegotiated with De Beers,” Masisi added, referring to the South African-British diamond company.
According to International Monetary Fund figures, Botswana is one of the world’s largest diamond producers, accounting for 30% of the GDP and 80% of its exports. Masisi said 20,00 are working in the diamond sector.
Masisi’s predecessor, Ian Khama, had promised to form an electoral coalition with opposition parties to oust Masisi via the vote in the upcoming election.
In 2023, Khama claimed that Masisi posed a danger to Botswana’s democracy and pledged to overthrow him in the 2024 election.
The government dismissed Khama’s claims as “outrageous and unfortunate”.