Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat on Friday after preliminary election results indicated that his party had lost its parliamentary majority by a significant margin, marking the end of nearly six decades in power.
With over half of the constituencies reporting, the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) was leading, positioning its leader, lawyer Duma Boko, to potentially win the presidency.
Analysts attribute the ruling Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) downfall to increasing socio-economic grievances, particularly among the youth. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, Botswana has heavily relied on diamond exports, but a downturn in the global diamond market has led to a sharp decline in economic growth this year, coinciding with a rise in unemployment to 28%.
State television reported that, with results from 41 of the 61 constituencies available, the UDC had secured 26 parliamentary seats, while the BDP had managed only three. Members of parliament elect the president. Although Boko has not yet publicly commented on the results, his campaign focused on raising the minimum wage and increasing social grants.
Masisi stated at a press conference that he wished to remain in office but respected the people’s decision and congratulated the president-elect. He pledged to support the new administration.
In the capital, Gaborone, the atmosphere was calm on Friday morning, with small groups of opposition supporters celebrating in the streets. “I never thought I would witness this change in my life,” said 23-year-old student Mpho Mogorosi. “The BDP had been in power for too long, and I am proud to be part of the movement that removed them for a better Botswana.”
The BDP’s defeat follows that of another long-ruling party in southern Africa this year; South Africa’s African National Congress also lost its parliamentary majority after 30 years in power and was forced to form a coalition government.
