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, reports BBC News.
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in power since independence in 1966 had won only one parliamentary seat as of early Friday morning, preliminary election results show.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, won 20 seats, according to the early tallies.
UDC looks set to form the government as it is projected to pass the 31-seat threshold for a majority in parliament.
As MPs elect the president in Botswana, Duma Boko is on course to become the next head of state once parliament meets for the first time.
Boko, who is running for the third time, has urged his supporters to “maintain vigilance and discipline”.
Despite overseeing a dramatic change in Botswana, recent poor economic growth and high unemployment dented the BDP’s popularity.
He will replace Mokgweetsi Masisi in office since 2018 who led the BDP’s failed campaign.
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.
However, Masisi has accepted the defeat and promised to do his part to build a strong from within and to work with the new administration.
“Starting tomorrow or as in my discussion with the president elect, at a time convenient to him, we will begin all administrative work to facilitate the transition and I assure you that I will not take any actions to hinder or slow down this process.
I will also hand over all outstanding government matters to the new president so he may address them after his inauguration.
I will continue to serve the interests of my beloved Botswana within the parameters of our constitution.
I promise to do my part to build a strong country from within and to work with the new administration to ensue that every citizen has opportunities at their finger tips.
I look forward to attending the inauguration” Masisi said.