Voters in the diamond-rich southern African nation of Botswana have rejected the country’s long-serving governing party.
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) – in power since independence in 1966 – has won only one parliamentary seat as of early Friday morning.
It looks set to be replaced by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
President Mokgweetsi Masisi has accepted defeat, saying that it was clear his BDP party had lost “massively”.
Despite overseeing a dramatic change in Botswana, recent poor economic growth and high unemployment dented the BDP’s popularity.
“I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth transition process ahead of inauguration,” Masisi said during a media conference on Friday.
He has urged his supporters to remain calm and rally behind the new government.
The UDC, led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, has won 25 seats, according to the early tallies.
The party is projected to pass the 31-seat threshold for a majority in parliament.
The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), supported by former president Ian Khama, who split from the BDP, has secured five seats, while the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) has so far won seven seats.
As members of parliament elect the president in Botswana, Boko is on course to become the next head of state once parliament meets for the first time.
UDC supporters have been celebrating in the capital, Gaborone, and other parts of the country.
Masisi – in office since 2018 – led the BDP’s failed campaign.
The president ran on a message that his party could bring about “change”, but not enough voters were convinced the BDP could do what was needed for the country.
Official results are expected to be announced by the electoral commission later Friday.
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