Botswana President Acknowledges Election Loss, Ending Six Decades of BDP Rule

Botswana's president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has officially conceded defeat in the recent elections, marking the end of nearly sixty years of dominance by his Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). As the results poured in, it became clear that the opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), had achieved a significant victory, positioning its leader, Duma Boko, to assume the presidency.

Supporters of the Umbrella for Democratic Change celebrate in the streets of Gaborone, Botswana's capital, on Friday. Photograph: Monirul Bhuiyan

With nearly all votes counted, the UDC secured a parliamentary majority, winning 32 of the 61 contested constituencies, while the BDP lagged behind with just four seats. "Though I wished to remain in office, I respect the will of the people and congratulate the president-elect. I will step aside and support the new administration," Masisi announced at a press conference, reflecting on the election outcome.

The defeat can be attributed to rising unemployment, particularly among the youth, which fueled public dissatisfaction with the BDP. Botswana, home to a population of 2.5 million, has faced economic challenges, including a global decline in diamond demand, leading to a predicted growth of only 1% for the year, down from 5.5% in 2022. Unemployment has soared to 28%, with over a third of young adults aged 15 to 35 out of work.

Duma Boko expressed his astonishment at the electoral results, stating, "It shocked me, the numbers … I’m humbled." The UDC leader has promised to implement measures such as raising the minimum wage and increasing social grants.

In the capital city of Gaborone, small groups of opposition supporters celebrated the historic shift. One young voter, 23-year-old student Mpho Mogorosi, remarked, "I never thought I would witness this change in my life. The BDP had stayed too long in power, and I am proud to be part of the people who removed them for a better Botswana."

The BDP's loss follows a pattern in southern Africa, where other long-ruling parties, such as South Africa's African National Congress, have also faced electoral defeat this year. As Namibia prepares for its elections later this month, the Swapo party, which has held power since 1990, is expected to encounter significant opposition.