Botswana’s political landscape has shifted dramatically as the long-ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been unseated by the opposition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), in a historic election. The BDP, which has held power since the country’s independence in 1966, secured only four parliamentary seats, while the UDC emerged with an outright majority of 35 seats. This outcome marks the first time the BDP has lost control in the diamond-rich southern African nation and represents a milestone for Botswana’s democracy.
In a phone call to UDC leader Duma Boko, Botswana’s president, Mokgweetsi Masisi, graciously conceded defeat and congratulated his opponent. Masisi acknowledged the BDP’s shortcomings, citing sluggish economic growth and high unemployment as key factors that diminished his party’s popularity. “We got it wrong, big time,” he admitted at a press conference. Despite overseeing economic policies intended to bolster the country’s development, Masisi said the BDP had failed to connect with voters.
Masisi expressed pride in Botswana’s democratic values, assuring citizens that he would ensure a smooth transition to the UDC-led government. He urged his supporters to remain calm, unite behind the new administration, and respect the outcome. “I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth transition process,” Masisi said, describing his willingness to uphold democratic principles as essential to his role. “I am proud of our democratic processes and respect the will of the people.”
During his phone call with Boko, Masisi pledged to remain available for guidance, signaling an openness to collaboration despite the outcome. Boko, a 54-year-old former human rights lawyer, addressed the media for the first time after the election results, calling the transition “a landmark moment” for Botswana’s democracy.
“What has happened today takes our democracy to a higher level. We’ve now seen a successful, peaceful, orderly democratic transition,” Boko said. In a moment of humility, he noted his surprise at the margin of victory and his determination to fulfill the UDC’s promises to the people. This marked his third attempt to secure the presidency.
Celebrations erupted across the country, especially in the capital, Gaborone, as UDC supporters took to the streets to commemorate the historic victory. Mpho Mogorosi, a 23-year-old student, voiced her excitement over the transition, telling Reuters, “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 that removed them for a better Botswana.”
The UDC’s platform focused on economic reforms aimed at addressing youth unemployment and enhancing wealth distribution. Although Botswana has vast diamond resources and a thriving tourism sector, many young people remain jobless, an issue that fueled the UDC’s rise. Newly elected MP Kgoberego Nkawana echoed the urgency of economic reforms, telling the BBC’s Newsday program that the current prosperity had not reached all citizens. He noted that the UDC intends to prioritize a new economic strategy, pledging to create more well-paying jobs and promote equitable distribution of resources.
Botswana’s political shift has garnered international attention, as the country has long been considered one of Africa’s most stable democracies. Observers have praised the election as a model of peaceful democratic transition in the region, highlighting the significance of the people’s will prevailing over a decades-long incumbency.
As the UDC prepares to take office, Boko and his party face the task of delivering on their promises to an electorate eager for change. The party has pledged to implement reforms that aim to balance economic development with social equity, tackling the challenges of unemployment and income disparity that were central to the election. With a clear mandate and a parliamentary majority, the UDC holds the reins of Botswana’s future, signaling the start of a new era in the country’s political history.
