By McGeorge Mbare
The wind of oppositional rule has blown into Botswana as the ruling party Botswana Democratic Party’s 58 year rule is set to come to an end with early results showing a clear opposition majority.
The BDP has been in power for almost 58 years since the diamond producing country gained its independence in 1966 from the British .
In this election, opposition parties have seemingly done their homework well cruising over the long reign of the BDP and their presidential candidate Mokgweetsi Masisi who took over in 2018.
Latest results show that the opposition party Umbrella Democratic Change led by Lawyer Duma Boko has 27 of the 61 contested seats with the other opposition parties the BCP and BPF having 8 and 5 seats respectively. The ruling is rooted at the bottom with just a single seat so far. Combined the opposition is seating on 40 seats , 9 more than the required 31.
The incumbent has been gracious in defeat promising to preside over a smooth transition of power in the Southern African Country.
“I will peacefully step aside …I look forward to attending the inauguration of the president elect” President Masisi said at the press conference held this morning.
The results has been a major blow for the BDP president who has been confident of securing a second term however on the press conference President Masisi emphasized his will to step down after conceding the defeat.
“I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth in a smooth transition process ahead of inauguration” President Masisi said.
In the midst of the loss, the BDP’s Chairperson who is also the Vice President of the country blamed former President Ian Khama for the loss.
“We are in this mess because Ian Seretse Khama endorsed the opposition instead of the party of his forefathers , God will judge him accordingly,” he said.