President-Elect Doma Boko. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa & Agencies
Gaborone — Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat Friday, 1St November 2024 after preliminary results showed his Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) had lost its parliamentary majority in a historic election upset.
The BDP, which has governed Botswana since its independence in 1966, was unseated by the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by lawyer Duma Boko. This shift marks the first time in nearly six decades that Botswana will be under new political leadership.
With over half of the constituencies reporting, the UDC held a commanding lead. Results showed that out of 61 seats in parliament, the UDC had won 26, while the BDP trailed with only three. Botswana’s electoral system allows the first party to secure 31 seats to form the government and nominate the president. By Friday afternoon, Chief Justice Terence Rannowane officially declared Boko as president-elect, setting the stage for a smooth transfer of power.
President Masisi, acknowledging the results, addressed the public, saying, “Although I wanted to stay on as your president, I respect the will of the people and congratulate the president-elect. I will support the new administration.”
Masisi, who previously worked as a high school teacher and Unicef official, had been widely expected to secure a second term. Yet economic grievances and a high unemployment rate, especially among young voters, led to a significant shift in public sentiment.
The UDC’s campaign resonated strongly with voters, particularly for its promises to raise the minimum wage, expand social programs, and create a more independent judiciary.
Boko, a Harvard-educated lawyer and longtime opposition figure, posted “Botswana First” on social media following his win, signaling a new era of governance focused on social reforms.
In his first public statement after being sworn in, Boko said, “I pledge with every fibre of my being that I will do everything I can, not to fail, not to disappoint... It is their government.”
Botswana’s economy, heavily dependent on diamond exports, has been hit hard by a global downturn in diamond demand, causing economic growth to slow to just 1% this year, down from previous years.
This economic decline has had a stark impact on employment, with official figures showing unemployment at 27%.
The BDP once considered a model of stability and economic success in Africa, faced mounting criticism over its failure to diversify the economy.
Analysts noted that the BDP’s reliance on its incumbency and promises to develop other sectors like tourism and agriculture fell short of convincing voters.
“The BDP did not have anything new to offer,” said a political analyst, who noted that opposition campaigns promising more substantial reforms had a greater appeal.
According to Al Jazeera Television, Gaborone remained notably calm on Friday morning as news of the UDC’s historic victory spread throughout the capital. Small groups of supporters gathered quietly across the city, celebrating the unprecedented shift in power.
"I never thought I’d witness this change in my lifetime," said Mpho Mogorosi, a 23-year-old student. "The BDP had stayed in power for far too long, and I’m proud to be part of the generation that voted for a better Botswana."
Her sentiments, as reported by Al Jazeera, reflect the cautious optimism shared by many who see this moment as a turning point toward change and progress in Botswana.
Masisi’s swift concession and willingness to support the new government indicate a commitment to a peaceful transfer of power. In an audio clip posted online, Masisi reassured Boko, “You can count on me to always be there to provide whatever guidance you might want. … We will retreat to being a loyal opposition.”