The resounding defeat of the only political party that has governed Botswana since it gained independence 58 years ago has shocked the entire African continent.
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Over the past year, a young, energetic population has upset the old guard liberation parties, which depended on their fame from the days of fighting colonialism to stay in power.
This strategy appears to be losing its impact as young people become a growing proportion of the electorate on a continent where the median age is 19, the youngest in the world.
Many young Africans say they don’t care how much a politician suffers fighting against the colonizers and even more so if these politicians steal public money, create jobs and respect fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression.
In South Africa, the so-called free-born generation, which never lived under apartheid, has long been fighting for new political leadership. They succeeded this year, when the African National Congress, which had governed since the fall of apartheid and the advent of democracy in 1994, collapsed below 50% in national elections for the first time.
The Botswana Democratic Party, which had governed the southern African nation since independence from Britain in 1966, went from winning two-thirds of the seats in Parliament five years ago to last place among the four parties that competed to the elections.
“The decimation of the PDB is an indication of the discontent and disillusionment that permeates southern regions where former liberation movements are separated from the realities faced by their citizens,” said Rui Tyitende, a professor at the University of Namibia.
These trends worry Namibia’s ruling party, the South West African People’s Organisation. The former liberation movement faces elections this month in which young people make up about two-thirds of the 1.4 million voters.
Mozambique’s liberation party, Frelimo, declared a decisive victory in last month’s elections. But after observers reported serious irregularities in the vote, young people did not accept the result. Large protests across the country have turned deadly.
The defeat of the Botswana Democratic Party comes at a time when youth unemployment, at 38%, far exceeds Botswana’s overall unemployment rate.
Botswana has now placed its trust in Duma Boko, who, at 54, is relatively young for an African leader.
Boko, a human rights lawyer who graduated from Harvard University, won the election by promising to create half a million jobs in a nation of 2.5 million people.
Many liberation-era parties also made big promises.
Lindiwe Zulu, an African National Congress official in South Africa, said failure to enforce rules is part of what is hurting liberation parties like hers.
“People’s demands are changing faster than we would have expected,” he said.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert Dr. Aisha Mosa
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mosa. The recent electoral outcome in Botswana, where the ruling party has lost power for the first time in 58 years, has sent shockwaves across Africa. What are your thoughts on this significant shift?
Dr. Mosa: Thank you for having me! Indeed, this is a monumental event in Botswana’s political landscape. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been an institution since independence. Its loss underscores a broader trend we’re seeing across the continent, particularly among young populations who are increasingly disillusioned with traditional political narratives.
Editor: You mentioned the younger demographic—can you elaborate on their role in this electoral shift?
Dr. Mosa: Certainly! Africa has the youngest population in the world, with a median age of just 19. This demographic is no longer swayed by the nostalgia and historical struggles of the liberation movements. They prioritize immediate issues like job creation, corruption, and civil rights over the battles of the past. This younger electorate is demanding more from their leaders, and they’re willing to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
Editor: That’s fascinating. In places like South Africa, we’ve observed similar trends where new generations are seeking political change. How does this relate to the recent elections in Botswana?
Dr. Mosa: The situation in South Africa, particularly with the rise of the “free-born generation,” reflects a growing impatience with old political structures. In Botswana, the BDP’s struggle indicates that parties relying on historical legacy are losing touch with the electorate’s current needs. The young voters want accountability, transparency, and tangible improvements in their lives. They are less interested in the past and more focused on their future.
Editor: Many young Africans, as noted in the article, are indifferent to past struggles against colonialism if it doesn’t translate to their current realities. How do you see this affecting future political landscapes across the continent?
Dr. Mosa: It could herald the end of an era for many long-standing parties. As young people represent an increasing share of the electorate, we might see a complete redefinition of political platforms. Politicians will have to adapt to this new reality, focusing on presenting concrete solutions rather than relying on past achievements or revolutionary rhetoric. This is an opportunity for fresh leadership and innovative ideas to emerge.
Editor: The decline of the BDP and the ANC in South Africa suggests a possible seismic shift in African politics, can we expect similar outcomes in neighboring countries?
Dr. Mosa: Absolutely. Other countries that have been governed by liberation parties could face similar challenges. Citizens are demanding change, and if these parties do not adapt to the changing political climate, they risk losing power. Observing the actions of the electorate in Botswana and South Africa will be crucial for other nations; it could inspire similar movements for change across the continent.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mosa, for your insights. It’s clear that the political landscape in Africa is evolving, especially with the rise of a younger, more dynamic electorate. We will certainly be keeping an eye on these developments as they unfold.
Dr. Mosa: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for African politics, and I look forward to witnessing these changes.