Botswana's President Masisi launches party manifesto, eyes re-election

 

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi. [AFP]

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party on Sunday launched its manifesto in the southern African nation which goes to the polls in a general election later this year.

Widely expected to be in October, voters will cast ballots for president and local authorities in the polls in which current 63-year-old President Mokgweetsi Masisi can stand for another term.

The presidential contest will see Masisi face off against the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change's leader Duma Boko, 54, and Dumelang Saleshando of the small Botswana Congress Party.

Speaking at the Royal Aria stadium in the country's capital Gaborone, Masisi called the party's manifesto "a blueprint for a future in which every (Botswanan) can thrive".

"I offer a promise... by voting for the BDP you are selecting a vision of hope," the political veteran said.

In April 2018 Masisi became leader under the BDP's carefully choreographed succession process in which then-president Ian Khama would step down 18 months before the next elections.

His ruling BDP on Saturday re-elected Masisi as their candidate during a party conference.

"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 key issues, the party plans to focus on creating more jobs and strengthening financial systems and democracy.

At Sunday's rally, Masisi sported his party colours, addressing a sea of red-geared supporters decked out in a red shirt, blazer and sunglasses with a black hat and pants.

"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.

Botswana is one of the world's largest producers of diamonds which are its main source of income, accounting for 30 percent of GDP and 80 percent of its exports, according to International Monetary Fund figures.

Masisi said that the country had hired a record 20,000 people in the diamond sector.

Masisi's predecessor Khama has previously vowed to bring the opposition parties into an electoral alliance to remove Masisi through the ballot box in this year's polls.

In a 2023 interview with AFP, Khama accused Masisi of being a threat to Botswana's democracy, vowing to dethrone him in the 2024 election.

The government dismissed Khama's claims as "outrageous and unfortunate".