Botswana’s new President, Duma Boko, took office on Monday, commending his predecessor Mokgweetsi Masisi for overseeing a seamless transition of power after last week’s election, which ended nearly 60 years of Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) rule.
Addressing reporters, Duma Boko praised Masisi for conceding defeat without delay, setting an example of democratic maturity for both Botswana and the world.
Following the electoral loss, Masisi promptly accepted the results, reassuring Boko of his commitment to a peaceful handover. The outgoing president’s BDP, which had governed since Botswana’s independence in 1966, won just four seats to Boko’s 36, marking a historic shift in Botswana’s leadership.
“This is a demonstration that our democracy has stood the test of time,” Boko declared. He highlighted the significance of this transition in a world where many countries struggle with similar regime changes.
Masisi, who completed a single term, expressed pride in the strength of Botswana’s democracy, pledging that the BDP would now serve as a vibrant opposition party.
Botswana’s exemplary handover with a high voter turnout of 80 percent, reflects the nation’s commitment to democracy amid concerns about economic management and unemployment.
