By : Lloyd Mahachi

Botswana’s governing party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), has suffered a shocking election defeat after nearly six decades in power. Preliminary results show that the party has lost its parliamentary majority, securing only one seat as of early Friday morning.

The opposition parties have made significant gains, with the Umbrella for Democratic Change, led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, taking 19 seats. The Botswana Congress Party, headed by economist Dumelang Saleshando, secured seven seats, while the Botswana Patriotic Front, established by followers of former President Ian Khama, won five seats.

This unexpected turn of events is significant, as Botswana is considered one of Africa’s greatest success stories and most stable democracies. However, the country’s economy has taken a hit due to a global downturn in demand for diamonds, which account for over 80% of its exports. Economic growth is expected to slow to 1% in 2024, with unemployment rising to 27%.

Under Botswana’s constitution, the party with the majority of parliamentary seats can choose the president and form a government. This means that President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who was widely expected to serve a second and final term, may no longer hold the presidency. Masisi, a 63-year-old former high school teacher and UNICEF worker, has been leading the BDP since 2019.

The outcome of this election marks a significant shift in Botswana’s political landscape. The country, often held up as a model of stability and democracy, will now navigate a new era under opposition leadership. The opposition parties will need to work together to form a government and address the country’s economic challenges.

Botswana’s electoral commission is expected to release the final results soon, but the preliminary tally indicates a clear victory for the opposition. The country’s citizens, who have endured economic hardship in recent years, will be watching closely as the new government takes shape and sets its priorities.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi