Voters in Botswana have rejected the country’s long-serving governing party in a result that marks a political earthquake in the diamond-rich southern African nation.
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) – in power since independence in 1966 – has won only one parliamentary seat as of early Friday morning. It looks set to be replaced by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
President Mokgweetsi Masisi has accepted defeat, saying that it was clear his BDP party had lost “massively”.
Despite overseeing a dramatic change in Botswana, recent poor economic growth and high unemployment dented the BDP’s popularity.
“I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth transition process ahead of inauguration,” Masisi said in a press conference on Friday.
He has urged his supporters to remain calm and rally behind the new government.
The UDC, led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, has won 25 seats, according to the early tallies.
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The party is projected to pass the 31-seat threshold for a majority in parliament.
The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), supported by former President Ian Khama who split from the BDP, has secured five seats while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has so far won seven seats.
As MPs elect the president in Botswana, Boko is on course to become the next head of state once parliament meets for the first time.
UDC supporters have been celebrating in the capital Gaborone and other parts of the country.
The president ran on a message that his party could bring about “change”, but not enough voters were convinced the BDP could do what was needed for the country.
Official results are expected to be announced by the electoral commission later Friday.
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