In a surprising turn of events, Botswana’s electorate has ousted the ruling party that has held power for nearly six decades, reflecting their dissatisfaction with economic stagnation tied to a decline in the diamond trade. Opposition presidential candidate Duma Boko emerged victorious, ending the reign of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Duma Boko, 54, representing the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition, will succeed President Mokgweetsi Masisi. On Friday, Masisi conceded defeat, marking the first time in 58 years that the BDP lost by a landslide.
“From tomorrow… I will start the process of handover,” Masisi said in an audio clip posted on social media of his phone call to Boko, indicating a smooth transition of power.
In his first public address after being sworn in as the new president, Boko expressed his gratitude for the election outcome. “I pledge with every fiber of my being that I will do everything I can, not to fail, not to disappoint, appreciating always the enormity of the responsibility bestowed upon me by the people of this republic. It is their government,” he stated.
Item 1 of 3 Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi addresses a press conference to concede defeat after the October 30 general elections, where the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lost elections to the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), in Gaborone, Botswana November 1, 2024. REUTERS/Thalefang Charles
Analysts attribute the BDP’s downfall to increasing economic grievances, particularly among the youth. Botswana, a southern African nation with a population of around 2.5 million, has largely depended on diamond exports since gaining independence from Britain in 1966. Despite prudent management of its diamond wealth, investing in health, education, and social welfare, the recent downturn in the global diamond market has severely impacted the economy. In 2023, Botswana’s GDP per capita stood at $7,250, significantly higher than the sub-Saharan Africa average of $4,800, according to World Bank data. However, this year saw economic growth plummet to a projected 1%, while unemployment soared to 28%.
Botswana is the world’s leading diamond producer by value, with the government holding a 15% stake in diamond giant De Beers. Last year, Masisi negotiated a larger share of raw diamonds with De Beers. “We are an economy that depends on diamonds… So we’ve got to try and safeguard the goose that lays for us the golden egg in the short to medium term, at the very least,” Boko emphasized. He plans to engage De Beers “as quickly as possible” to address their concerns, noting that the company’s potential withdrawal from negotiations could pose a significant threat to the country’s economy.
Local newspaper Mmegi reported that the UDC had secured 35 out of 61 parliamentary seats based on results from 58 constituencies, surpassing the majority requirement. The BDP, in contrast, garnered only four seats, trailing behind three other parties.
“After 58 years in power, the BDP didn’t have anything new to offer,” said Ringisai Chikohomero, an analyst at the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies. The UDC’s ambitious policy proposals, including plans to more than double the minimum wage, improve social services, and create a more independent judiciary, resonated with voters.
The capital, Gaborone, remained calm on Friday, with small groups of opposition supporters celebrating in the streets. “I did not ever think I would witness this change in my life,” said 23-year-old student Mpho Mogorosi. “The BDP had stayed too long… and I am proud to be part of the people that removed them.”
The BDP’s defeat marks the second time this year that a long-ruling party in southern Africa has lost its majority, following South Africa’s African National Congress’s failure to secure more than half the votes for the first time in 30 years. Neighboring Namibia’s ruling SWAPO party, in power since 1990, is also expected to face a significant challenge in upcoming elections.
“The outcome of Botswana’s elections should serve as a warning to long-time ruling parties across southern Africa and beyond that without economic progress and employment opportunities, political dominance will falter,” commented Zaynab Hoosen, an Africa analyst at consultancy Pangea-Risk.
