Partial election results show the current ruling party has been defeated. Reuters, citing local newspaper Mumegi, reported that votes from 36 to 61 constituencies had been counted.
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State radio reported preliminary data showing that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has ruled the country since it gained independence from Britain in 1966, had won only one electoral district. The best result was achieved by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) party, which won 25 constituencies. The party is expected to win in at least 31 constituencies, which would guarantee its independence.
Botswana. Political earthquake. people took to the streets
Supporters of Umbrellas for Democratic Change took to the streets of the capital Gaborone to celebrate. Similar situations are occurring in other parts of the country. Official results are expected to be announced by the Independent Electoral Commission on Friday night.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who has been in office since 2018, commented on the ruling party's defeat. – I wanted to remain president, but I respect the will of the people and congratulate the next president. He told a press conference that he would resign and support the new government.
See also: Communes have repeated mayoral elections. Last time it was decided by one vote.
The new president will be UDC founder and human rights lawyer Duma Boko. Botswana is a parliamentary republic. The head of state is the president, who is elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term. He is the one who appoints members of the government. In reality, the leader of the party that wins a majority becomes the president.
Botswana. This is the first change of government in about 60 years. reaction to national problems
The BBC portal reports that the decline in support for the Botswana Democratic Party is due to, among other things: high unemployment and low economic growth.
However, Reuters reports that the country's recent revenue decline is the result of a weak diamond market. Botswana is the world's largest producer of this gemstone. The country of 2.3 million people provides free healthcare and education.
During the election campaign, President Masisi and Botswana Democratic Party politicians insisted they were ready for reforms to improve the situation in the country.
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