Botswana’s Masisi will trumpet mandate for ‘new’ BDP

Significance

In the run-up to the October 23 polls, the BDP faced a heightened threat from the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) opposition coalition, as well as the new Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) backed by former President Ian Khama (2008-18).

Impacts

• Only three women have been elected MPs, all of whom are from the ruling BDP and will be in their first terms in office.
• UDC leader Duma Boko may be ousted in favour of his deputy, which would shift power within the coalition.
• Khama’s influence over the BDP and the government is likely to subside over the long term.