Diamond-Rich Botswana Set to Extend Ruling Party’s 58-Year Reign

  • President Masisi expected to win second five-year term
  • Votes take place against backdrop of diamond market slump

Mokgweetsi Masisi on Oct. 29.

Photographer: Phill Magakoe/AFP/Getty Images

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Botswana governing party is poised to extend its almost six-decade rule of the diamond-rich southern African nation in Wednesday’s elections, securing a second five-year term for President Mokgweetsi Masisi.

Under Botswana’s constitution, the party that controls the 61-seat parliament has the right to select the president and form a government.