Botswana votes: Diamond-rich nation faces crucial leadership choice
Botswana holds nation-wide elections as ruling party seeks to extend its nearly six-decade governance. Economic shifts and rising jobless numbers push for new policy directions in this diamond-dependent country
In southern Africaʼs stable democracy Botswana voters are making their way to polling-stations today to pick their next government (its been almost 60 years since the country got its independence from Britain)
The Botswana Democratic Party which has run the nation since the mid-1960s faces new-found challenges in this election. Mokgweetsi Masisi the 63-year old head-of-state and ex-teacher wants another term to lead the country; his leadership style has been down-to-earth but some say its time for change
The nationʼs heavy reliance on diamonds - which make up more than 80% of what it sells to other countries - has become a hot-button issue. The job market isnt looking good with about 1 in 4 people without work; young folks are having an even harder time finding jobs
Three opposition figures are trying to end the ruling partys long stay in power:
- Duma Boko from the Umbrella for Democratic Change
- Dumelang Saleshando representing Botswana Congress Party
- Mephato Reatile of the Botswana Patriotic Front
Vote-counting will start right after the one-day election ends; officials should tell everyone who won in just a few days. The winner will need to fix the diamond-dependent economy - something that even the ruling party admits needs a fresh look
