Botswana’s governing get together has suffered a shock election defeat after almost six a long time in energy, preliminary election outcomes present.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Get together (BDP) misplaced its grip on energy on Friday after opposition events gained 31 of 61 seats in parliament, tallies launched by the electoral fee confirmed.
The BDP, which has ruled the diamond-rich Southern African nation since 1966, had gained just one seat as of early Friday morning.
Umbrella for Democratic Change, led by Harvard College-trained human rights lawyer Duma Boko, gained 19 seats and the Botswana Congress Get together, headed by economist Dumelang Saleshando, took seven, based on the early tallies.
Botswana Patriotic Entrance, established by followers of former President Ian Khama after his exit from the BDP, secured 5 seats.
Underneath Botswana’s structure, the get together that holds a majority of parliamentary seats can select the president and type a authorities.
Masisi, a 63-year-old former highschool instructor and UNICEF employee, had been extensively anticipated to maintain his parliamentary majority and serve a second and ultimate time period.
Usually held up as considered one of Africa’s best success tales, Botswana ranks among the many wealthiest and most secure democracies on the continent.
However a world downturn in demand for mined diamonds, which account for greater than 80 % of the Southern African exports, has taken a toll on the financial system.
Financial progress is predicted to sluggish to 1 % in 2024, based on the Worldwide Financial Fund, down from 2.3 % final yr and 5.5 % in 2022, whereas unemployment has risen to 27 %.
