Political situation in Botswana

Change of power in Botswana - after 58 years with the same party

Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi has conceded defeat in the election after preliminary results showed his party losing its majority in parliament, Reuters reports.

The Botswana Democratic Party, BDP, is losing by a wide margin according to local media. This means that the party, which has ruled the country since 1966, must now become part of the opposition.

- Although I wanted to remain as your president, I respect the will of the people and congratulate the incoming president, says Masisi at a press conference.

The opposition coalition UDC, led by lawyer Duma Boko, has not yet commented on the election victory.

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Joy among BDP critics: "Hope for a fresh start"

Economic decline and corruption within the ruling Botswana Democratic Party, BDP, are singled out as two explanations for the shift in power in the country, reports the New York Times. Critics have pointed to the government's mismanagement of the country's economy, which is largely made up of income from the large diamond production in Botswana.

- I hope that we will get a fresh start on many things, says the 43-year-old teacher Tumelo Eetsi to the newspaper.

That the BDP is now losing its majority in parliament follows a pattern in southern Africa, according to the New York Times. Several countries with parties that have been in power for a long time have seen power shifts in recent years.