Botswana will hold a general election on Wednesday, where President Mokgweetsi Masisi will face three challengers as he seeks a second term in the diamond-rich nation in southern Africa.
Analysts suggest the race could be competitive, though a fragmented opposition may favour Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has governed the nation of 2.3 million since gaining independence from Britain in 1966.
Botswana has maintained stability and relative prosperity, supported by its diamond wealth and small population, which benefits from free healthcare and education. The country is also the world's leading diamond producer by value.
However, a slump in the diamond market has tightened revenues in recent years, and Botswana has faced challenges in diversifying its economy. Opponents argue that the BDP has held power for too long, accusing it of economic mismanagement and corruption, charges the party denies, Reuters reports.
“Our diamonds have not been selling since April so yes, our revenues are down but the economic fundamentals still remain intact,” said Masisi at a presidential debate last week.
“We are going to continue with the projects and policies we have come up with that are aimed at putting more money and wealth into the hands of the citizens of this country,” he added.
A key achievement of President Masisi's first term was securing a new agreement with diamond giant De Beers, granting Botswana a larger share of its rough diamonds.
He also lifted a ban on elephant hunting, arguing that it supports rural communities, and imposed an import ban on certain produce to assist local farmers.
His primary opponent in the election is Duma Boko, leader of the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
The other contenders include Dumelang Saleshando from the Botswana Congress Party and Mephato Reatile of the Botswana Patriotic Front, who is supported by former President Ian Khama. Khama left the BDP after a dispute with Masisi over the reversal of the hunting ban and other policy disagreements.
Masisi's opponents have criticised his economic track record, pointing to a rising unemployment rate, currently around 28%.
“It is not acceptable that a country such as ours which is the fifth richest per capita in Africa still has so many people living in poverty,” said Boko at the debate.
According to World Bank data, Botswana ranks fourth in GDP per capita among sub-Saharan African countries.
Boko has promised to more than double the minimum wage and expand social grants, pledging to fund these initiatives by cutting down on wasteful expenditures.