Botswana President Masisi concedes defeat as opposition coalition secures historic election victory Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat on Friday after preliminary election results indicated that his party had lost its parliamentary majority by a significant margin, marking the end of nearly six decades in power. With over half of the constituencies reporting, the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) was leading, positioning its leader, lawyer Duma Boko, to potentially win the presidency. Analysts attribute the ruling Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) downfall to increasing socio-economic grievances, particularly among the youth. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, Botswana has heavily relied on diamond exports, but a downturn in the global diamond market has led to a sharp decline in economic growth this year, coinciding with a rise in unemployment to 28%. State television reported that, with results from 41 of the 61 constituencies available, the UDC had secured 26 parliamentary seats, while the BDP had managed only three. Members of parliament elect the president. Although Boko has not yet publicly commented on the results, his campaign focused on raising the minimum wage and increasing social grants. Masisi stated at a press conference that he wished to remain in office but respected the people’s decision and congratulated the president-elect. He pledged to support the new administration. In the capital, Gaborone, the atmosphere was calm on Friday morning, with small groups of opposition supporters celebrating in the streets. “I never thought I would witness this change in my life,” said 23-year-old student Mpho Mogorosi. “The BDP had been in power for too long, and I am proud to be part of the movement that removed them for a better Botswana.” The BDP’s defeat follows that of another long-ruling party in southern Africa this year; South Africa’s African National Congress also lost its parliamentary majority after 30 years in power and was forced to form a coalition government.

Botswana President Masisi concedes defeat as opposition coalition secures historic election victory Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat on Friday after preliminary election results indicated that his party had lost its parliamentary majority by a significant margin, marking the end of nearly six decades in power. With over half of the constituencies reporting, the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) was leading, positioning its leader, lawyer Duma Boko, to potentially win the presidency. Analysts attribute the ruling Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) downfall to increasing socio-economic grievances, particularly among the youth. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, Botswana has heavily relied on diamond exports, but a downturn in the global diamond market has led to a sharp decline in economic growth this year, coinciding with a rise in unemployment to 28%. State television reported that, with results from 41 of the 61 constituencies available, the UDC had secured 26 parliamentary seats, while the BDP had managed only three. Members of parliament elect the president. Although Boko has not yet publicly commented on the results, his campaign focused on raising the minimum wage and increasing social grants. Masisi stated at a press conference that he wished to remain in office but respected the people’s decision and congratulated the president-elect. He pledged to support the new administration. In the capital, Gaborone, the atmosphere was calm on Friday morning, with small groups of opposition supporters celebrating in the streets. “I never thought I would witness this change in my life,” said 23-year-old student Mpho Mogorosi. “The BDP had been in power for too long, and I am proud to be part of the movement that removed them for a better Botswana.” The BDP’s defeat follows that of another long-ruling party in southern Africa this year; South Africa’s African National Congress also lost its parliamentary majority after 30 years in power and was forced to form a coalition government.

November 1, 2024
Happy Kaseɛbɔ
5G internet service to be launched today

5G internet service to be launched today

November 1, 2024
Dr. Bawumia set to engage youth nationwide on job creation plans

Dr. Bawumia set to engage youth nationwide on job creation plans

November 1, 2024
All officials appointed in my government will declare their assets within 30 days of taking office – Mahama

All officials appointed in my government will declare their assets within 30 days of taking office – Mahama

November 1, 2024
Ghanaians are eager to vote out NPP- Lawyer Abraham Amaliba

Ghanaians are eager to vote out NPP- Lawyer Abraham Amaliba

November 1, 2024
Mahama pledges aggressive anti-corruption measures in next government with ‘Operation Recover All the Loot’

Mahama pledges aggressive anti-corruption measures in next government with ‘Operation Recover All the Loot’

November 1, 2024
Vacant seats: Justice Ernest Gaewu is an NPP member and shouldn’t have been on the Supreme Court panel

Vacant seats: Justice Ernest Gaewu is an NPP member and shouldn’t have been on the Supreme Court panel

October 31, 2024
ISOC Ghana President urges responsible journalism ahead of December polls

ISOC Ghana President urges responsible journalism ahead of December polls

October 31, 2024
Russia fines Google more money than there is in the entire world

Russia fines Google more money than there is in the entire world

October 31, 2024
Traders at Norbekwaw rally behind NPP

Traders at Norbekwaw rally behind NPP

October 31, 2024
Election 2024: Vote based on performance, not party loyalty – Clement Wilkinson urges Ghanaians

Election 2024: Vote based on performance, not party loyalty – Clement Wilkinson urges Ghanaians

October 31, 2024
Kenyan Court approves new Deputy President

Kenyan Court approves new Deputy President

October 31, 2024
Friday, November 1, 2024
Subscribe
Advertise
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

Tag: YFM (Accra

Listen Live on Happy 98.9 FM

BBC Match of the Day Africa

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 Happy FM Ghana - Developed byHappy Ghana. Join our whatsapp page

No Result
View All Result

© 2023 Happy FM Ghana - Developed byHappy Ghana. Join our whatsapp page

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.