Botswana's Masisi faces increasing political threats

Significance

These losses are the latest indication that the BDP is losing support. The opposition has capitalised on widespread perceptions of corruption under President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and on his administration’s alleged use of the state intelligence apparatus to harass political opponents.

Impacts

• The courts will continue to be an obstacle to Masisi’s efforts against Khama.
• Recent electoral losses may embolden internal BDP rivals or possibly encourage defections to the opposition.
• Botswana’s 70%-plus adult vaccination rate may help limit the Omicron variant’s damage to economic recovery.