Tension high in ruling Botswana BDP as party pick presidential candidate
This is the first time in the history of Botswana for the incumbent to be challenged for the top job
Gaborone, Botswana — The party that has ruled Botswana since independence more than half a century ago faces a historic challenge on Friday when it meets to select its candidate for presidential elections in October. For the first time in the history of one of Africa’s most stable democracies, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) will see a genuine fight for the top job. President Mokgweetsi Masisi is squaring off against a former foreign minister, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, who is backed by Masisi’s predecessor and rival, Ian Khama. Whoever wins is widely expected to become president after nationwide elections in a country where the opposition is largely fragmented.
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