Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has conceded defeat and promised to step aside and participate in a smooth transition process after his ruling Democratic Party (BDP) failed to retain its grip on power.
Masisi in a speech today congratulated the opposition on their victories, promising to respect the process and assist the new administration in working out a peaceful transition.
The UDC, led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, will have the most seats in parliament and could pass the 31-seat threshold for an outright majority.
Despite overseeing a dramatic change in Botswana, recent poor economic growth and high unemployment dented the BDP’s popularity, after maintaining power since independence in 1966.
