Botswanans go to the polls as the party that ruled for 58 years promises 'change'
The BDP is one of the longest-running ruling parties in Africa, having led Botswana since the country gained its independence from Britain in 1966.
Botswanans today went to the polling stations to choose the members of parliament who will elect the president, while the ruling party Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) which has led the country for 58 years is seeking re-approval to remain in power for another five-year term under the slogan of bringing "change".
The BDP is one of the longest-running ruling parties in Africa, having led Botswana since the country gained its independence from Britain in 1966.
Today's election is being held with incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi, a former secondary school teacher and worker The 63-year-old former United Nations UNICEF executive is hoping to lead Botswana again for a second and final term.
Botswana, with a population of about two and a half million people, has long been cited as a success story in the southern African region for its stable politics and economy, but the decline in global demand for diamonds in recent years has contributed to rising living costs. causing unemployment to increase to 27%.
About one million Botswanans have met the conditions to vote in the parliamentary elections, where president Masisi Masisi has faced three main opponents, namely Duma Boko of the main opposition party Umbrella for Democratic Change, Dumelang Saleshando of the Botswana Congress Party and Mephato Reatile from Botswana Patriotic Front.
Although analysts say the results of the elections are difficult to predict this time, but BDP has already won by getting the most MPs in all the 11 elections held in the country since independence.../
