Botswana’s Historic Political Shift: Ruling Party Loses Election After 58 Years

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi has officially conceded defeat as preliminary results indicate a significant loss for his governing party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has ruled the country for nearly six decades.
At a news conference in the capital, Gaborone, Masisi acknowledged the BDP’s poor performance, stating, “We got it wrong big time in the eyes of the people.” His party, once seen as a strong contender, is currently trailing in fourth place according to the electoral commission’s tallies.
“We were really convinced of our message. But every indication, by any measure, is that there’s no way that I can pretend that we’re going to form a government,” he added, highlighting the unexpected shift in voter sentiment.
The BDP has governed Botswana since its independence in 1966, a nation rich in diamonds and often celebrated as one of Africa’s success stories. However, the BDP was anticipated to secure another victory, making the current election results a shocking turn of events.
The main opposition party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), is reportedly in the lead with 25 seats secured in the 61-seat legislature, positioning its leader, Duma Boko, as the likely candidate for president. Masisi confirmed that he had already called Boko to extend his congratulations and formally concede the election.
“CHANGE IS HERE,” Boko proclaimed on Facebook, as celebrations began in parts of Gaborone. This marks his third presidential bid, having previously run in 2014 and 2019.
The partial results showed that other opposition parties, including the Botswana Congress Party and the Botswana Patriotic Front, won seven and five seats respectively, while the BDP managed only three. This represents a significant shift in Botswana’s political landscape.
Masisi, a former high school teacher and UNICEF worker, had been expected to maintain his parliamentary majority and pursue a second term. However, the BDP’s defeat highlights the growing dissatisfaction among voters, particularly in light of economic challenges exacerbated by a global downturn in diamond demand.
Unemployment in Botswana has surged to 27%, with youth unemployment even higher. The International Monetary Fund forecasts a slow economic growth rate of 1% for 2024, down from 2.3% in the previous year and 5.5% in 2022.
In his concession speech, Masisi emphasized the importance of a smooth transition, stating, “I am proud of our democratic processes. Although I wanted a second term, I will respectfully step aside.”
With over one million registered voters in a population of 2.6 million, this election marks a pivotal moment in Botswana’s history, showcasing the power of democracy and the will of the people for change. As the nation prepares for a new political era, the eyes of the continent remain fixed on Botswana’s next steps.