In one of the major political shocks, Botswana voters gave a resounding blow to the long-ruling country’s party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), in the general elections that just ended. The BDP, that has been dominating government ever since Botswana gained her independence in 1966 has only managed to scoop four parliamentary seats up to today morning.
On the other hand, opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change, led by a human rights lawyer, Duma Boko, is said to have won 30 seats and is apparently on course to surpass the required 31-seat outright majority.
As much as President Mokgweetsi Masisi seems to have surrendered the clear severe defeat, at least to his party in the most recent general elections, at least to his political adversaries. Indeed, in his remarks at the press conference, Masisi mentioned he was ready and willing towards a peaceful transfer of regime and accepted the victories scored by the opposition during elections.
Most of all, Masisi recognized and respected the decision of voters through democratic process. He appeals to his followers for calm and requests that people cooperate with the winner party.
It sparked spontaneous celebrations in the capital city, Gaborone, as supporters of the UDC thronged the streets to celebrate a change of leadership. Several young voters, like 23-year-old student Mpho Mogorosi, said they felt proud to be part of an electoral shift, pointing out the long-held feeling that BDP had overstayed their welcome in power.
The UDC has vowed to provide a new economic strategy to create between 450,000 and 500,000 jobs within the next five years as a response to the country’s unemployment rates that have remained at high levels despite the wealth in diamonds and an upsurge in tourism.
Newly elected Member of Parliament for the opposition party UDC, Kgoberego Nkawana, said many youth in Botswana are still jobless and rely on the government for support.
Besides the UDC, the Botswana Patriotic Front has assured five seats, according to former President Ian Khama who broke away from the BDP. The Botswana Congress Party has garnered 13 seats of the current parliamentary race.
Official results by the electoral commission later today are expected to announce Boko Duma, emerging as the new president of Botswana. It would be a political shift for the diamond-rich nation that is sure to amaze the world as it heads to convene its very first parliament.