Botswana: Ruling Party Loses 58-Year Majority
Botswana: Ruling Party Loses 58-Year Majority
The Facts
Botswana's ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 58 years, coming in fourth place in Wednesday's general election. The BDP had governed the southern African nation since it became independent in 1966.
The main opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) party — which reached the 31-seat threshold to win a majority — was declared the election winner after incumbent Pres. Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat.
The Spin
The BDP received a stunning rebuke for its failure to diversify the economy, increase the minimum wage and social grants, and fix rising unemployment, mismanagement, and corruption. This election result is a meaningful breakthrough for Botswana's democracy, which desperately needed to break one-party dominance to rescue itself.
The UDC's phenomenal rise and Boko's historic win is a relief for millions of Botswanians. As Botswana enters a new period of profound change, the party will not only deliver on its promises, it will develop new growth drivers and make the diamond-rich country one of the wealthiest on the continent.