Historic Shift: Botswana's Ruling Party Concedes Defeat After Nearly Six Decades

Botswana's ruling party, the BDP, conceded defeat after losing its parliamentary majority, ending almost six decades of power. The opposition UDC is poised to take leadership. President Masisi accepted the results, pledging support to the new administration amid the country's diamond market challenges.

The political landscape in Botswana has experienced a seismic shift, as President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat following the preliminary election results. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lost its parliamentary majority, a stranglehold it held for nearly sixty years.

Reports from local media, including the private Mmegi newspaper and state radio, confirmed that the opposition coalition, Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), is on the brink of assuming control. This marks a significant victory for the UDC leader, lawyer Duma Boko, as he is on track to claim the presidency.

The country's stability, known for its diamond wealth, faces economic diversification challenges. Economic strain from a downturn in diamond market revenues suggests a pivotal moment for Botswana's future under new leadership.

(With inputs from agencies.)