Botswana's UDC Wins Majority, Ends BDP's Rule

In a historic electoral shift, Botswana's opposition party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), has won a majority in parliament, ending the 58-year rule of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP). President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat before the final results were announced, acknowledging his party's significant loss and pledging a smooth transition of power to Duma Boko, the UDC's leader and president-elect. Despite BDP's historical dominance in Botswana's politics, Masisi affirmed his commitment to the democratic process and a peaceful handover. This election marks the first time Botswana will be governed by a different party since its independence in 1966, reflecting growing voter dissatisfaction with longstanding liberation parties in southern Africa. Botswana, a major diamond producer, is considered a post-colonial success story with one of the highest living standards in the region.