David Tshere achieves record vote share and margin of victory in Botswana's 2024 General Election
via Mmegi2 min read
In the 2024 General Election, David Tshere, the incumbent legislator for Mahalapye-West, was re-elected with 73% of the vote and a 58 percentage point margin. This represents the highest vote share and margin of victory ever attained by a non-BDP candidate in Botswana's electoral history, surpassing the 71% record set by Bathoen II 55 years prior. The Botswana Democratic Party BDP lost national power for the first time since 1966, with its vote share in Mahalapye-West declining to 14.8%, its second-lowest performance in any constituency. The UDC, by contrast, saw a 21-percentage-point increase in its vote share compared to the 2019 election. Tshere began his political career in 2011 after resigning from his position as head of the Biomedical Engineering unit at Princess Marina Hospital in 2009. He cites the 2008 regime change within the BDP and an economic recession as factors that influenced his decision to enter politics, believing politics could make a difference in people's lives. His background in public service, including serving in middle management and as chairperson of a tender evaluation committee, has provided him with knowledge of protocols and procedures, which he finds helpful in his current ministerial role.
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The Botswana Congress Party BCP is experiencing significant internal divisions as it prepares for its elective conference. Once known for calm internal contests, the main opposition party is now marked by open factional battles and public campaigning by rival teams, raising concerns about unity before the 2029 General Election. The conference will elect new national leadership, with members appearing more divided than in the past. The BCP's tradition of avoiding personal attacks during internal elections has eroded due to open rivalry, with competing camps mobilizing support through organized teams, public meetings, and media engagements. Appeals from senior party leaders for issue-based campaigns have had little impact, as campaign rhetoric has intensified. A key contest is for the vice president position, where incumbent Taolo Lucas is defending his role against Member of Parliament Unity Dow. Dow's supporters, campaigning under the slogan "Re Motia," advocate for fresh leadership to reposition the BCP for the 2029 national polls, believing new faces will attract voters and strengthen electoral prospects.
The three affiliates of the Umbrella for Democratic Change UDC – the Botswana National Front BNF, Alliance for Progressives AP, and Botswana People’s Party BPP – are planning to hold policy forums during the President’s Day holidays. These gatherings aim to align their priorities with the governing coalition and identify areas for reform. The UDC-led government has indicated its intention to review laws and regulations that hinder economic growth and public service delivery. UDC president Duma Boko has previously stated that some outdated laws discourage investment, making Botswana less attractive to investors, and that reviewing these laws is crucial for economic development.
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