Botswana’s President Masisi Concedes Defeat as Ruling Party Loses Power After 58 Years

Nov 1, 2024, 06:24 AM

Preliminary election results in Botswana indicate that the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has governed the diamond-rich nation since independence in 1966, has lost its parliamentary majority, marking a historic shift after 58 years of continuous rule. President Mokgweetsi Masisi has conceded defeat after the BDP secured only one seat so far, suffering a resounding loss in the general elections held this week. Opposition parties have collectively won at least 31 of the 61 parliamentary seats, signaling an end to nearly six decades of uninterrupted BDP dominance. The opposition coalition leader, Duma Boko, is expected to become the country's next president. This peaceful transition of power is being hailed as a significant milestone for democracy in Africa.