Botswana President Accepts Election Loss, Ending BDP’s 58-Year Rule

Department of Research, Strategic Studies and International Relations01-11-2024

Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi has conceded his defeat after a surprising election outcome that saw the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lose its parliamentary majority, marking the end of its 58-year hold on power.

Masisi made his concession on Friday, even before the official results were finalized, acknowledging that the BDP’s standing had plummeted to fourth place based on early tallies from the electoral commission. Addressing the media in Gaborone, Masisi admitted, “We misjudged the mood of the people.” He expressed disappointment over the election results, remarking, “We firmly believed in our vision, yet the people have spoken, and it’s clear we won’t be forming the government.”

Seeking a second term in Wednesday’s election, Masisi announced his intention to “step aside” and extended his congratulations to the opposition for their victory. “I concede defeat and congratulate the opposition,” he stated.

Under Botswana’s electoral system, the first party to secure 31 of the 61 parliamentary seats wins the right to appoint the president and form a government. Historically in control since the country’s independence in 1966, the BDP was anticipated to maintain its position. However, the main opposition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), emerged as the front-runner, positioning its leader, Duma Boko, as the likely next president.

Masisi reportedly called Boko to acknowledge his defeat personally. According to state media, the UDC had already won 25 seats, with aspirations to reach 31, which would guarantee Boko’s victory and secure his leadership as the next president. Boko, a seasoned human rights lawyer who founded the UDC in 2012 to consolidate the opposition, shared a celebratory post on social media, writing, “CHANGE IS HERE,” as small celebrations erupted in parts of Gaborone. Boko, aged 54, had previously vied for the presidency in 2014 and 2019.

The two other opposition parties, the Botswana Congress Party and the Botswana Patriotic Front, collectively claimed around a dozen seats, signaling a clear shift from the BDP’s historic dominance.

Masisi, a 63-year-old former educator and UNICEF official, had entered the election with expectations of securing a second term, buoyed by Botswana’s reputation as a stable and prosperous democracy. However, the country has recently faced economic headwinds, primarily due to a global downturn in demand for diamonds, which make up more than 80 percent of its exports. Economic growth has slowed, with the International Monetary Fund predicting a decrease to 1 percent in 2024, down from 2.3 percent the previous year and 5.5 percent in 2022. Additionally, unemployment has surged to 27 percent, with youth unemployment at even higher levels.

Before the election, the BDP had promised to diversify the economy by investing in sectors such as agriculture and tourism to reduce dependence on diamond exports. Reflecting on his tenure, Masisi said, “I am proud of our democratic process. Though I sought a second term, I will step aside gracefully and support a smooth transition.”

With over a million registered voters from Botswana’s 2.6 million population, the election marked a historic moment, underscoring both the vibrancy of the country’s democracy and the populace’s desire for change.