The main opposition party in Botswana has won an absolute majority in the parliamentary elections, marking a historic defeat for the ruling party that has held power since the country’s independence nearly 60 years ago.
The left-wing coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) secured at least 31 of the 61 seats in the parliament's lower house. The UDC will thus be able to elect its candidate, Duma Boko, a 54-year-old human rights lawyer, long-time opponent, and Harvard graduate, to the presidency.
Outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi affirmed the rare stability of Botswana’s democracy on the continent by acknowledging his defeat early Friday. "I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victory," the head of state told the press. "We completely missed the mark in the eyes of the people," he said.
The transfer of power in Botswana is scheduled to take place this Monday, November 4, 2024, in Gaborone.