Voters in Botswana have rejected the country’s long-standing ruling party, marking a political earthquake in the diamond-rich southern African nation.
Primary election results showed the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) – in power since independence in 1966 – had won just one seat in parliament as of early Friday morning.
According to initial vote counting results, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, won 20 seats.
The UDC looks set to form a government as it is expected to cross the 31-seat threshold for a majority in parliament.
As parliamentarians elect a president in Botswana, Duma Boko is on track to become the next head of state after parliament meets for the first time.
Boko, who is running for the third time, called on his supporters to “maintain vigilance and discipline”.
Despite seeing significant change in Botswana, recent poor economic growth and high unemployment rates have dented the BDP’s credibility.
He will replace Mokgweetsi Masisi – in office since 2018 – who led the BDP’s failed campaign.
The president pushed the message that his party could bring about “change,” but not enough voters believed the BDP could do what was needed for the country.
