Botswana president concedes

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has conceded defeat following the recent general elections, where early results indicate that opposition parties secured at least 31 of 61 parliamentary seats. Masisi, leader of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has governed since the country’s independence in 1966, expressed his commitment to a smooth transition of power and congratulated the opposition, specifically the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) led by Duma Boko. This election is notable as it marks a significant political shift in Botswana, a nation often praised for its stable governance and electoral integrity. Preliminary counts suggest the UDC, along with two other opposition parties, has collectively won enough seats to form a new government. Masisi's decision to step aside reflects a respect for the democratic process and the will of the electorate amid concerns over his administration's handling of issues like unemployment. The official results are expected to be confirmed by the Independent Electoral Commission later today.