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Major Shift in Botswana Politics: UDC Emerges Victorious in Elections


Politics

Victory, Unemployment, Economic growth

Botswana Democratic Party faces historic loss as Umbrella for Democratic Change prepares to take power

In Botswana, the long-dominant ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), appears on the way out amid what is described as its heaviest defeat ever from Thursday's parliamentary elections. As of thus far into early Friday morning, one parliamentary seat seems confirmed to the BDP; that party has governed this country since Botswana achieved independence in 1966. While the opposition party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), is set to take the lead.

The election victory, as conceded by President Mokgweetsi Masisi, shows that there was a clear mandate from the electorate for change. The popular support for BDP has been declining. There are various reasons associated with weak economic growth and the significant rate of unemployment experienced within the country during recent times.

The UDC, led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, is said to have won 25 seats, and will thus surpass the 31-seat threshold to have a parliamentary majority. The party has promised a new economic strategy that creates jobs and equitably redistributes wealth.

The discussions lately among newly elected UDC representatives have brought out a challenge facing the young population in Botswana. Young people are facing high levels of unemployment despite Botswana's rich diamond resources and a thriving tourism sector. The UDC promised creating between 450,000 and 500,000 jobs within the next five years.

Other parties, such as the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), have also won seats. The BPF, with former President Ian Khama, has won five seats, while the BCP has won seven.

With the news setting in on the readiness for the newly elected parliament session, Boko is eager to sit at the podium as the head of the state. This news sparks joy around the capital of Gaborone and nationwide. Results from the commission are likely to come officially later Friday.


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