GABORONE, Botswana — In a historic shift, President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana conceded defeat on Friday, November 1, 2024, after preliminary election results indicated that his Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) had lost its parliamentary majority to the opposition, ending nearly 60 years of rule.
With over half of the constituencies reporting, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by lawyer Duma Boko, held a significant lead and appeared poised to win the presidency.
President Masisi addressed the nation in a press conference, saying, “Although I wanted to stay on as your president, I respect the will of the people and I congratulate the president-elect. I will step aside and I will support the new administration.”
The BDP’s defeat marks the second major shift in Southern African politics this year, following South Africa’s African National Congress losing its parliamentary majority after three decades in power.
Analysts point to growing socio-economic dissatisfaction, particularly among Botswana’s youth, as a key factor in the BDP’s loss.
Despite Botswana’s diamond-rich economy, a recent downturn in the global diamond market has driven unemployment to 28% and severely impacted economic growth.
“The outcome of Botswana’s elections should serve as a warning to long-time ruling parties across southern Africa and beyond that without economic progress and employment opportunities, political dominance will falter,” commented Zaynab Hoosen, an Africa analyst at Pangea-Risk.
The election results, based on 41 of the 61 contested constituencies, gave the UDC 26 seats to the BDP’s three. Members of parliament will elect the president, positioning Boko to take office.
In the capital, Gaborone, opposition supporters celebrated in the streets. “I did not ever think I would witness this change in my life,” said 23-year-old Mpho Mogorosi.
“The BDP had stayed too long in power and I am proud to be part of the people that removed them for a better Botswana.”
As Botswana transitions to new leadership, neighbouring Namibia’s SWAPO party faces a similarly competitive election later this month, signalling a potential wave of change for long-ruling parties in southern Africa.
