A critical reflection on the Masisi presidency :: Mmegi Online

FRANCISTOWN: Since Botswana gained independence in 1966, no state president has ever served a single term of office, but there is a likelihood that the trend might be broken under President Mokgweetsi Masisi, observers have pointed out.

The first president, Sir Seretse Khama served from 1966 to 1980; Sir Ketumile Masire took over from 1980 to 1998, subsequently, Festus Mogae served from 1998 to 2008. Ian Khama ruled from 2008 and passed the baton to the incumbent, Masisi in 2018.

All the country’s former presidents faced various challenges during their presidency, but they were able to ward them off and served at least two terms (five year each term) after an amendment in the Constitution. However, there is now a swelling opinion that Masisi might struggle to deal with the challenges he is currently facing and as a result might likely serve a single term.

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