Young People in Botswana Voted Out The 58-Year Ruling Party And Elected A Human Rights Lawyer To Lead
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) had ruled the country for 58 years since Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966.
People in Botswana have voted out the ruling party that had been in power for nearly 60 years and elected a human rights lawyer as its president.
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) had ruled the country for 58 years since Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966.
But on Wednesday Oct. 30, the opposition party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), obtained a majority of seats in the general election, gaining 26 seats in parliament, while the BDP obtained only three seats, according to local news.
The leader of the UDC, 54-year-old human rights lawyer and Harvard Law school graduate Duma Boko, is set to become the new president.
Several key issues had played a role in the BDP’s defeat, including a declining economy and young voters’ dissatisfaction.
Boko had run on a campaign to diversify Botswana's economy beyond diamond exports, as the country is heavy reliant on diamonds and a recent decline in global demand have led to an economic slowdown.
The UDC has also pledged to create more than 450,000 jobs in the next five years and double the minimum wage from US$100 to almost US$300 per month, following a rise in unemployment especially among youth.
"What has happened today takes our democracy to a higher level. It now means we've seen a successful, peaceful, orderly democratic transition,” Boko said following the victory.
Outgoing president Mokgweetsi Masisi congratulated Boko and conceded defeat.
"I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth transition process ahead of inauguration. I am proud of our democratic processes and I respect the will of the people,” Masisi said during a press conference, according to the BBC.
Boko was sworn in as Botswana’s 6th president on Nov. 1.
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