Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat in the general election on Friday, marking a significant change for a country that has seen the ruling party in power for 58 years.
Masisi accepted his loss before the final results were announced, with his Botswana Democratic Party trailing in fourth place in the parliamentary elections, reported <a href="https://apnews.com/article/botswana-election-masisi-concedes-80951b62fdb7169f073c2b13acaff1b6">AP News</a>.
The main opposition party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, held a strong lead in the partial results, positioning its candidate, Duma Boko, as the favourite to become president of this southern African nation, known for being one of the world’s largest producers of mined diamonds.
In his remarks in an early-morning press conference two days after the election, Masisi stated that he had called Boko to inform him of his concession. He said:
<blockquote>
I concede the election. I am proud of our democratic processes. Although I wanted a second term, I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth transition process.
I look forward to attending the coming inauguration and cheering on my successor. He will enjoy my support.
</blockquote>
Masisi’s BDP dominated politics for nearly 60 years since the country gained independence from Britain in 1966. This election marks the first time another party will govern in Botswana’s democratic history.
Botswana has been recognized as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, with an economy heavily reliant on diamond production. It is the world’s second-largest natural diamond producer, following Russia.
However, a downturn in global diamond demand has significantly impacted Botswana’s economy, leading to rising unemployment, which exceeded 27% this year. The government has seen a sharp decline in revenue from diamonds.
Masisi and the BDP faced criticism for not doing enough to diversify the economy in response to these challenges.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change, Duma Boko, is a 54-year-old lawyer who previously contested elections in 2014 and 2019.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Botswana's President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, lost the election to another party after 58 years of ruling. The Umbrella for Democratic Change is set to take over. Masisi accepted his defeat before the final results were out. Botswana is known for diamonds but faced economic challenges. Masisi's party was criticized for not diversifying the economy. The new president, Duma Boko, is a lawyer who has run for office before. This is the first time another party will govern Botswana in its democratic history.

Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, Concedes Defeat In Election

Botswana’s ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), is facing a surprising loss after nearly 60 years in power in elections held on 30 October 2024.
According to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/1/botswanas-ruling-party-loses-power-after-six-decades-early-results-show">Al Jazeera</a>, opposition parties have secured a total of 31 out of 61 parliamentary seats, according to the electoral commission’s early tallies.
The BDP, led by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, managed to win only one seat by early Friday morning.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change, led by Duma Boko, won 19 seats, while the Botswana Congress Party, headed by Dumelang Saleshando, captured seven seats.
The Botswana Patriotic Front, formed by former President Ian Khama’s supporters, secured five seats.
Boko, who is running for the third time, has urged his supporters to “maintain vigilance and discipline”.
The party with a majority in parliament has the authority to choose the president and form the government.
President Masisi, 63, was anticipated to maintain his majority and serve a second term.
Botswana is often regarded as one of Africa’s success stories, known for its wealth and stability as a democracy.
The country’s economy has been affected by a global decline in diamond demand, which constitutes over 80% of its exports.
Economic growth is forecasted to slow to 1% in 2024, down from 2.3% in 2023 and 5.5% in 2022, with unemployment rising to 27%.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

After 60 years, Botswana's ruling party, the BDP, lost in elections. Opposition parties won 31 out of 61 parliamentary seats. President Masisi's party only won one seat. Umbrella for Democratic Change won 19 seats, Botswana Congress Party won 7, and Botswana Patriotic Front won 5. The winning party in parliament selects the president and forms the government. Botswana's economy is struggling due to a decline in diamond demand, with slow growth and high unemployment. Botswana is known for its stability and democracy in Africa.

2024 Botswana Election Results Latest News

Latest Jobs