58-Year Dynasty Ends in Botswana Election

Botswana President Loses Reelection Bid

“I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victory and concede the election.”

Botswana's ruling party, BDP, loses power after 58 years as President Mokgweetsi Masisi concedes election defeat.

Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat on November 1, ahead of the final election results, marking a stunning end to the Botswana Democratic Party's (BDP) 58-year reign. The BDP, which has governed the country since independence, lost its parliamentary majority in the October 30 general election.

Masisi, who campaigned for a second five-year term, graciously accepted defeat and pledged to step aside. This historic shift in power follows the electoral commission's initial counts, which placed the BDP in fourth position.

“I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victory and concede the election,” President Mokgweetsi Masisi said during a press conference, graciously acknowledging the end of the Botswana Democratic Party's (BDP) 58-year reign.

The opposition, led by Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) candidate Duma Boko, secured at least 31 of the 61 parliamentary seats, crossing the threshold for victory. According to Botswana's electoral system, the winning party appoints its candidate as president and forms the government.

The BDP's defeat marks a significant shift in Botswana's politics, with the party having dominated the country's governance since independence in 1966. Masisi's concession speech highlighted the nation's democratic processes, saying, “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.”

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) emerged as the leading party in Botswana's partial election results, positioning its leader, Duma Boko, as the probable presidential candidate. This development led President Mokgweetsi Masisi to concede defeat and contact Boko directly.

The UDC secured over 24 parliamentary seats and aimed to reach 31 to achieve an outright victory, enabling Boko, a human rights lawyer, to assume the presidency. In contrast, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and the Botswana Patriotic Front (BCF) collectively garnered around a dozen seats.

These results confirm the end of the Botswana Democratic Party's (BDP) 58-year reign. Boko's victory marks a significant shift in Botswana's politics, with the UDC's focus on social justice, environmental sustainability, and healthcare reform poised to shape the country's future.