By Draxon Maloya
In a shocking turn of events, the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has emerged victorious in Botswana’s highly contested election, bringing an end to the 58-year reign of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
According to the latest reports from Al Jazeera and News24, the UDC has secured 31 parliamentary seats, surpassing the threshold required to form a government.
This historic win paves the way for Duma Boko, the leader of the UDC alliance, to become the new President of Botswana, replacing incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The Republican constitution stipulates that the party with 31 parliamentary seats has the authority to form a government and choose the Speaker of the National Assembly.
The BDP has dominated Botswana’s politics since the country’s independence, but its grip on power has slowly been loosening.
The party suffered a decline in popularity in 2014, but managed to rebound in 2019. However, this election marks a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
As Botswana enters a new era, citizens and international observers alike are eagerly awaiting the transition of power.
With increased security measures in place, the country is bracing for potential protests and rallies. The UDC’s victory is seen as a major breakthrough for democracy in Botswana, and all eyes are on Duma Boko as he prepares to take the reins.
