Voters in Botswana rejected the country’s long-ruling ruling party, a result that marked a political earthquake in the diamond-rich southern African country.
Preliminary election results showed that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has governed since independence in 1966, had won just one seat in parliament as of early Friday morning.
According to preliminary counts, the Umbrella Democratic Change (UDC) group, led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, won 20 seats.
The UDC is expected to form a government and is expected to pass the 31-seat parliamentary majority threshold.
Duma Boko will become the next head of state after the first meeting of parliament as members of parliament elect Botswana’s president.
Boko, who is running for a third term, urged his supporters to “remain vigilant and disciplined”.
Despite the dramatic changes in Botswana, recent poor economic growth and high unemployment have weakened support for the Botswana Democratic Party.
He will succeed Mokgweetsi Masisi, who took office in 2018 and led the BDP’s failed election campaign.
The president has sent a message that his party can bring about “change,” but not enough voters believe the BDP can do what the country needs.
