Voters in Botswana have rejected the country’s long-serving governing party in a result that marks a political earthquake in the diamond-rich southern African nation.
The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) – in power since independence in 1966 – has won only three parliamentary seat as of Friday morning. It looks set to be replaced by the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
President Mokgweetsi Masisi has conceded, saying that it was clear his party had lost Wednesday’s general election “massively”.
Despite overseeing a dramatic change in Botswana, recent poor economic growth and high unemployment dented the BDP’s popularity.
He has urged his supporters to remain calm and rally behind the new government.
UDC and other opposition party supporters have been celebrating in the capital, Gaborone, and elsewhere in the country.