Former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has claimed that Batswana will not receive what they expected from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), despite the opposition’s decisive victory in the recent elections.
Masisi, whose Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been in power since independence in 1966, faced a crushing defeat at the ballot box, with the UDC securing 36 parliamentary seats compared to just 4 for the BDP.
In his remarks, Masisi suggested that the BDP’s loss was partly due to the UDC’s lofty promises, which he argued may have led voters to expect more than what could realistically be delivered.
He hinted that the “rich promises” made by the UDC during the campaign were a key factor in their electoral success, but warned that fulfilling these promises might prove difficult. Said Masisi (via <a href="https://www.mmegi.bw/news/opposition-sold-you-a-dummy-masisi/news">Mmegi</a>):
<blockquote>
If you put our manifesto against those of the two main opposition parties, the UDC and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), they had something in common. They promised people lots of monies. 
Imagine when you have been unemployed and being told the economy is not performing well and you get such promises. Even on election day, you could see there was a lot of happiness.
A lot of new merchandise was also flaunted and people were convinced that there was hope and they voted for them.
</blockquote>
Masisi said he could not deny that the BDP’s campaign was not as captivating as that of the opposition parties.
He admitted that, as the ruling party, they could only make promises based on what they believed the economy could realistically support. Said Masisi:
<blockquote>
We condemn these promises as we continue to doubt that they will deliver these promises. It is impossible because it would cause problems.
Prices would skyrocket, it will cause the economy to collapse and it will make dealing with other countries and financiers to doubt us.
This is because our main source of money is diamonds and they are not being bought. Also their prices rise and fall from time to time and unfortunately for us, the prices fell during the elections cycle and we could not control it.
</blockquote>
Masisi said he was proud that many BDP members still voted for the party, securing the second-highest number of votes nationwide.
He said if it was not for the First Past The Post system, they would be having more legislators. Masisi said:
<blockquote>
But I am not complaining about the system because we are a national party. We were all over the country hence we believe that we can still regroup and regain power in 2029.
</blockquote>
Masisi said he would not stand for another term but would step down as BDP president next year when his mandate from the BDP comes to an end. He said:
<blockquote>
I never thought about quitting hastily because as a leader of such a huge organisation and you quit after losing elections, it would be irresponsible of me. You should stay and talk to the people until all has settled and a suitable leader is selected.
It would also look like I was a coward, but I am not one and I am going to meet with the BDP members including those who have been writing accusing me on social media.
</blockquote>
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Former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi says people won't get what they were promised by the opposition party UDC, even though they won big in the recent election. He thinks UDC made big promises that might be hard to keep. Masisi believes BDP lost because UDC promised a lot of money, which made people happy and hopeful. He says BDP could only promise based on what the economy can support. He is proud that many BDP members still voted for the party and believes they can win back power in 2029. Masisi plans to step down as BDP president.

Masisi Warns Batswana Won't Get What They Were Promised By UDC

Duma Boko (54) was officially sworn in as the 6th President of Botswana on Friday by Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane at the High Court.
The ceremony took place three days after Boko’s opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, won the parliamentary elections.
Boko, a human rights lawyer, delivered an acceptance speech and held a press briefing that was broadcast live on state television.
In his address, he highlighted some key campaign promises, including plans to more than double the minimum wage to P4,000 ($300) and to introduce universal health insurance.
Boko also said he was committed to attracting investors and strengthening relationships with mining companies in Botswana.
He emphasized the need to diversify the country’s diamond-dependent economy, a step seen as essential for stabilising the nation’s finances.
Earlier that day, outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat after the overnight results from Wednesday’s general election showed that his party did not win enough seats to form a government.
The BDP has been in power since Botswana gained independence in 1966. The defeat was a huge setback for Masisi, 63, who had been confident about securing a second term after being elected in 2018. Said Masisi:
<blockquote>
We got it wrong big time in the eyes of the people. We were really convinced of our message. But every indication, by any measure, is that there’s no way that I can pretend that we’re going to form a government.
I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth and transparent transition process ahead of the inauguration.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Duma Boko, a human rights lawyer, became the 6th President of Botswana after his opposition coalition won the parliamentary elections. He promised to raise the minimum wage and improve healthcare. The outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi accepted defeat and promised a smooth transition. This was a big change, as Masisi's party had been in power since 1966. Boko wants to diversify Botswana's economy and attract investors. People are hopeful for a better future under his leadership.

Duma Boko Sworn In As Botswana's 6th President

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who also serves as the SADC Chairperson, on Friday extended his congratulations to Duma Boko, the newly elected president of Botswana.
Boko, the leader of the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change, was officially declared Botswana’s sixth president by Chief Justice Terence Rannowane during a broadcast on state television.
In his congratulatory message, Mnangagwa said that Boko’s victory in the October 30 election reflects the strong confidence that the people of Botswana have in his leadership abilities. Said Mnangagwa:
<blockquote>
On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and on my own behalf, I wish to extend to you my most sincere congratulations on your election as the next President-Elect of the Republic of Botswana.
Your victory clearly attests to the confidence that the people of Botswana have in your leadership capabilities.
As you assume your new role, I am confident that the excellent relations between our two countries will continue to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead, for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.
I also affirm my commitment to working very closely with you at regional, continental and multilateral fora, in pursuit of a just global political and economic order.
May I take this opportunity to wish you personal good health and success, as well as peace and prosperity for the people of Botswana.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa’s delay in congratulating Duma Boko has raised eyebrows, especially since outgoing Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat and congratulated Boko early on Saturday.
In contrast, during the recent Mozambique elections on October 9, Mnangagwa swiftly congratulated FRELIMO’s Daniel Chapo even before the final results were announced.
Political commentators suggest that Mnangagwa may have been hurt by the defeat of his close ally, as several high-ranking ZANU PF officials, including Patrick Chinamasa, actively campaigned for Masisi and his PDP party leading up to the elections.
Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono claimed that Masisi and Mnangagwa were friends long before they assumed the presidency in their respective countries. He wrote on X:
<blockquote>
Masisi used to visit Mnangagwa before either of them became president, it was under the radar, and the Zimbabwean media never wrote about it, maybe because they didn’t know, or because they didn’t see the need to.
To keep these visits discreet, Masisi would stay with John Bredenkamp, a white businessman and ZANU PF supporter who died in 2020, rather than with Mnangagwa directly.
So, the association between Masisi and Mnangagwa was not new, it predated their presidencies and it became apparent as the two men took turns to support each other publicly.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Mnangagwa congratulated Duma Boko, who won the election in Botswana. Boko is the new president of Botswana. Mnangagwa said the people of Botswana trust Boko to lead well. He wants to keep good relations with Botswana. Mnangagwa waited to congratulate Boko, while Boko's opponent, Masisi, congratulated him quickly. Some think Mnangagwa was upset because Masisi lost. They were friends before becoming presidents. They supported each other. Mnangagwa and Boko will work together in the future.

Mnangagwa Congratulates Botswana's President Elect, Duma Boko

Botswana’s ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), is facing a surprising loss after nearly 60 years in power in elections held on 30 October 2024.
According to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/1/botswanas-ruling-party-loses-power-after-six-decades-early-results-show">Al Jazeera</a>, opposition parties have secured a total of 31 out of 61 parliamentary seats, according to the electoral commission’s early tallies.
The BDP, led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, managed to win only one seat by early Friday morning.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change, led by Duma Boko, won 19 seats, while the Botswana Congress Party, headed by Dumelang Saleshando, captured seven seats.
The Botswana Patriotic Front, formed by former President Ian Khama’s supporters, secured five seats.
Boko, who is running for the third time, has urged his supporters to “maintain vigilance and discipline”.
The party with a majority in parliament has the authority to choose the president and form the government.
President Masisi, 63, was anticipated to maintain his majority and serve a second term.
Botswana is often regarded as one of Africa’s success stories, known for its wealth and stability as a democracy.
The country’s economy has been affected by a global decline in diamond demand, which constitutes over 80% of its exports.
Economic growth is forecasted to slow to 1% in 2024, down from 2.3% in 2023 and 5.5% in 2022, with unemployment rising to 27%.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

After 60 years, Botswana's ruling party, the BDP, lost in elections. Opposition parties won 31 out of 61 parliamentary seats. President Masisi's party only won one seat. Umbrella for Democratic Change won 19 seats, Botswana Congress Party won 7, and Botswana Patriotic Front won 5. The winning party in parliament selects the president and forms the government. Botswana's economy is struggling due to a decline in diamond demand, with slow growth and high unemployment. Botswana is known for its stability and democracy in Africa.

Botswana Ruling Party Rejected By Voters, Early Results Show

Up to 1 million eligible voters in Botswana are set to participate in a tense general election on Wednesday, 30 October 2024.
Botswana is known as Africa’s longest-serving democracy and one of the continent’s most stable countries, having peacefully transitioned power in all elections since gaining independence from Britain in the 1960s.
However, election observer Tendai Mbanje of the African Centre for Governance Election Observation told <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/30/botswana-election-who-is-in-the-running-and-whats-at-stake">Al Jazeera</a> that there are fears of potential post-election violence due to increased political competition and shifting political dynamics
Botswana operates an indirect election system where voters elect members of parliament. The leader of the governing party is appointed as president after the vote count.
Voters will elect 61 members of the National Assembly and 609 local council seats across 16 local authorities, using a first-past-the-post or preferential voting system.
Botswana is a multi-party state, but the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has dominated elections since 1969.
The BDP secured 38 of 57 seats in the 2019 election and is expected to perform strongly again in this election.
<h2>Who is running?</h2>
<h3>President Mokgweetsi Masisi</h3>
Representing the BDP, Masisi is running for another term at 63. Despite internal frictions, the BDP remains strong in rural areas and among the Tswana-majority. 
Masisi, initially handpicked by former President Ian Khama, fell out with him after taking office in 2018, leading to Khama’s exit from the party.
Masisi’s term has been marked by internal party conflicts and economic challenges, including rising inflation and unemployment due to a global diamond price downturn. Internationally, his stance on elephant hunting has been controversial.
Despite these issues, he renegotiated a favourable diamond agreement with De Beers. While Botswana has a history of peaceful elections, there are concerns about post-election tensions due to internal party struggles and dissatisfaction with Masisi’s economic policies.
<h3>Duma Boko</h3>
The 54-year-old lawyer leads a coalition of opposition parties under the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). In 2019, the UDC significantly challenged the BDP, securing second place with 15 seats.
Boko remains the biggest threat to Masisi, as the usually weak Botswana opposition gains popularity. 
Some local analysts speculate that the election result might be too close to call, although opinions vary. 
Boko’s UDC is promising more lucrative jobs for young people and has tried to attract voters with the promise of government stipends.
<h3>Dumelang Saleshando</h3>
Saleshando, 53, leads the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), one of the main opposition parties. In previous elections, the BCP has secured between 10-20 per cent of the vote.
The party has pledged to “save Botswana” and aims to raise the average monthly living wage to 4,000 pula ($299) by 2029, up from the current 1,500 pula ($112).
<h3>Mephato Reatile</h3>
Reatile leads the Botswana Patriotic Front, a relatively new party with only four members in parliament. The party was formed by followers of ex-President Khama after he departed from the BDP.
Khama returned from a three-year self-imposed exile in South Africa this September to support the party, aiming to unseat the BDP and his rival, Masisi, which has heightened election tensions.
Upon his return, Khama also faced court charges for illegal gun possession and money laundering, adding to the controversy.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Botswana is having an election where 1 million people can vote. There may be violence after the election. The ruling party usually wins, but the opposition is stronger this time. The current president, Masisi, has some issues, but also some achievements. The main opponents are Boko, who promises more jobs, Saleshando, who wants to increase wages, and Reatile, who used to work with a former president. This election is big and people are watching closely to see what happens.

Botswana Holds General Election, One Million Eligible To Vote

Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Botswana, Henry Mukonoweshuro, has urged Zimbabwean nationals residing in the neighbouring country to exercise increased vigilance amid rising threats of violence against them.
This warning comes in response to reports suggesting that some Batswana plan to launch attacks on Zimbabweans following a controversial campaign by ZANU PF members, led by Patrick Chinamasa, in support of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) ahead of the October 30 harmonised elections.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, who is seeking reelection, is considered a close ally of Zimbabwe’s leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mukonoweshuro reassured the Zimbabwean community that the Embassy has received commitments from the Botswana Police Services (BPS) to ensure the safety of all law-abiding Zimbabweans during this electoral period. Said Mukonoweshuro:
<blockquote>
Following recent social media reports alleging possible involvement of Zimbabwean nationals in the Botswana electoral processes and the negative reactions thereafter, the Embassy wishes to advise all Zimbabwean nationals resident in Botswana to exercise caution during this election period.
The Embassy has been assured by the Botswana Police Services (BPS) that all law-abiding citizens, including Zimbabweans, should not fear to go ahead about their daily routine during the electoral period.
</blockquote>
Former opposition Member of Parliament, Job Sikhala, has called on ZANU PF to stop meddling in the electoral processes of neighbouring countries.
He warned that such interference not only jeopardizes the stability of those nations but also puts Zimbabweans living there at risk.
Sikhala warned that ZANU PF’s actions could lead to serious repercussions for Zimbabwe’s relations with its neighbours and urged the party to respect the sovereignty and electoral integrity of other countries.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Botswana is warning Zimbabweans in Botswana to be careful because of possible violence from locals. This is because ZANU PF members are supporting the ruling party in Botswana, angering some Batswana. The Ambassador says the Botswana Police will protect Zimbabweans. An opposition leader, Job Sikhala, says ZANU PF should stop interfering in other countries' elections to keep Zimbabweans safe. It's important for Zimbabwe to have good relationships with its neighbors and respect their elections.

Zim Ambassador Requests Botswana Police Protection For Zimbabweans After ZANU PF "Meddling" Angers Batswana

ZANU PF has dismissed allegations by former Botswana President Ian Khama that it interfered in regional electoral processes to support fellow ruling parties.
The party’s Director for Information and Publicity denied any involvement in elections in neighbouring countries and accused Khama of being a Western stooge engaged in regime change efforts.
He also claimed that Khama is unpopular in his own country and is likely to lose the upcoming elections. Said Marapira (<a href="https://newziana.co.zw/zanu-pf-dismisses-ex-president-khamas-electoral-accusations/">New Ziana</a>):
<blockquote>
Nothing pleases us more than seeing lackeys and lapdogs of imperialism in sixes and sevens as they see their neo-colonialist agenda blown to smithereens by the resurgent winds of pan-Africanism sweeping across mother Africa.
To blame ZANU PF for your lack of ideological soundness is not only blatantly denialist but also puerile madness.
ZANU PF does not interfere in the expression of their wishes by sons and daughters of Africa. It is those who see the writing on the wall and fail to accept it through escapist drive who wish to deny the people their voice. We wish the people of Botswana more and more glory. Happy elections Botswana!
</blockquote>
Speaking at a campaign rally in Botswana, Khama labelled ZANU PF a “regional cancer,” accusing the party of undermining democracy throughout Southern Africa by allegedly supporting other ruling parties.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF said they didn't meddle in other countries' elections to help other ruling parties. They also said Khama is a puppet of the West trying to change governments. ZANU PF thinks Khama will lose his own election. They say they believe in letting African people choose their leaders. Khama called ZANU PF a problem in the region, accusing them of not wanting democracy. They argued back, saying they support African voices. Khama spoke out at a rally in Botswana against ZANU PF.

ZANU PF Rejects Allegations Of Election Meddling By Ian Khama

Former Botswana president Ian Khama has warned the opposition about ZANU PF’s alleged election rigging activities in the southern African region, saying Zimbabwe’s ruling party “had become a regional cancer”.
Botswana, Africa’s longest democracy, is scheduled to hold General Elections on 30 October 2024.
Khama, campaigning for Butale, addressed supporters at a rally, alleging a plot to rig the upcoming elections on October 30, 2024, in favour of President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
According to media reports, Khama claimed that ZANU PF has become a regional threat, undermining democracy by interfering in other countries’ electoral processes.
He accused Zanu PF of sending agents to rig the forthcoming elections in Botswana.
While campaigning for BPF parliamentary candidate Modiri Jojo Lucas in Francistown, Khama alleged that the Botswana ruling party was preparing to rig the general elections by using Zimbabweans to vote for President Masisi. He said:
<blockquote>
The ruling party is preparing to rig the general elections by using Zimbabweans to vote here in Botswana. If Zimbabweans managed to cast their votes in Mozambique’s general elections, they could do that to help the ruling party in Botswana.
</blockquote>
Masisi declared October 30 and 31 as public holidays to encourage citizens to vote.
Masisi is seeking a second term, which would be his final one if he is reelected.
According to <a href="https://masvingomirror.com/undercover-zim-journalists-vote-in-mozambique-elections/">The Mirror</a>, a regional publication in Zimbabwe, some Zimbabweans, including two undercover journalists, voted in Mozambique’s recent general elections.
The journalists, who were investigating potential electoral rigging, were among the hundreds who cast their votes at Nemanwa Growth Point, just outside Masvingo.
Earlier reports from the Mirror indicated that ZANU PF was mobilising its supporters to register for the Mozambique elections, which took place on October 9, 2024.
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Several individuals confirmed their identities as Zimbabweans who had voted in the Mozambican elections.
The two journalists reported that they encountered no issues while voting, having presented both their local national identity cards and Mozambican voters’ cards at the polling stations.
Zimbabwean opposition politician Job Sikhala said that by sending its supporters to vote in Mozambique’s general elections, ZANU PF has become a security threat in the SADC region. 
However, ZANU PF has consistently denied accusations of rigging elections, asserting that it wins fairly because its policies resonate with the electorate.
Similarly, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has dismissed allegations of election rigging in favour of ZANU PF.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>
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Former Botswana president Ian Khama said ZANU PF might cheat in the elections in Botswana. Botswana will have elections on October 30, 2024. Khama thinks ZANU PF is evil and is trying to ruin elections in Botswana. He believes they will try to make people from Zimbabwe vote for President Masisi in Botswana. President Masisi wants to be elected again. Some Zimbabweans already voted in Mozambique's elections. But ZANU PF says they win elections fair and square.

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