Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi introduced Friday that he would “step aside” following a big defeat within the basic elections, in keeping with preliminary outcomes.
“I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victory and concede the election,” Masisi advised reporters throughout a press convention, describing it as “a good journey.”
His occasion, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), has ruled the diamond-rich nation since its independence from Britain in 1966.
Results from Wednesday’s vote are anticipated to be confirmed by the electoral fee later Friday, however early counts present that three opposition events collectively gained a minimum of 31 of 61 seats within the nationwide legislature.
Under Botswana’s electoral system, the primary occasion to achieve 31 seats might be declared the winner and set up its candidate as president.
Masisi, who took workplace in 2018, stated he would “begin all administrative work to facilitate the transition.”
“We are quite happy to retreat into being a loyal opposition and to hold the government accountable,” stated the 63-year-old chief, who had been assured of securing a second time period.
The left-leaning opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change secured greater than 24 seats, occasion official Mike Keakopa advised Agence France-Presse (AFP), and was aiming to achieve 31 seats to develop into the outright winner.
If confirmed, its candidate, the Harvard-educated human rights lawyer Duma Boko, can be the subsequent president.
The two different opposition events, the Botswana Congress Party and Botswana Patriotic Front, collectively took round a dozen seats.
Source: www.dailysabah.com