Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced on Friday, Nov. 1, that he would “step aside” after preliminary results showed his party’s significant defeat in the general elections.
“I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victory and concede the election,” Masisi said at a press conference, calling it “a good journey.”
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has led the nation since its independence from Britain in 1966, faced an unprecedented loss. Preliminary tallies from Wednesday’s vote showed three opposition parties collectively winning at least 31 of the 61 legislative seats.
According to Botswana’s electoral system, the party reaching 31 seats first will be declared the victor, allowing its candidate to assume the presidency.
Masisi, who assumed office in 2018, stated that he would “begin all administrative work to facilitate the transition,” adding, “We are happy to serve as a loyal opposition and hold the government accountable.” Confident of a second term, the 63-year-old now accepts his role in the opposition.
The opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change has won over 24 seats and aims to reach 31 to secure a decisive victory, according to party official Mike Keakopa.
If confirmed, Harvard-educated human rights lawyer Duma Boko would become the next president.
The two other opposition parties, the Botswana Congress Party and the Botswana Patriotic Front, collectively won about a dozen seats.
