Botswana’s president launches party manifesto, eyes re-election

JOHANNESBURG: 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.