By Sekaggya Seka Moses
In a historic upset, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been ousted from power after 58 years of uninterrupted rule.
Preliminary election results show the BDP securing only one seat, while the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has won 20 seats.
Led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, the UDC is projected to surpass the 31-seat threshold required for a parliamentary majority.
This sets the stage for Boko to become the next president of Botswana when parliament convenes.
Boko, who is running for president for the third time, has urged his supporters to “maintain vigilance and discipline” amid the impending transfer of power.
The BDP’s decline in popularity can be attributed to recent economic struggles and high unemployment rates under President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s leadership since 2018. Masisi’s campaign promise of “change” failed to resonate with voters.
The UDC’s victory marks a significant shift in Botswana’s political landscape, ending the BDP’s long-standing dominance.
As members of parliament elect the president in Botswana, Duma Boko is poised to replace Mokgweetsi Masisi as head of state once parliament meets for the first time.
