Partial results showed the ruling party trailing in fourth place after six decades in power. The opposition UDC party is expected to win.PoliticsBotswana
Partial results showed the ruling party trailing in fourth place after six decades in power. The opposition UDC party is expected to win.
Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat in the general election Friday, marking an end to his party’s 58 year rule.
The final results are yet to be announced, but the main opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) was in the lead, with the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in the fourth place according to partial results.
Several local media reports said the BDP had lost by a landslide, citing results from 36 out of 61 constituencies. A party needs to win 31 constituencies to get a majority in Botswana. The UDC had 25 seats.
“I concede the election. I am proud of our democratic processes. Although I wanted a second term, I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth transition process,” Masisi told reporters early in the morning.
