Following electoral victory, Duma Boko sworn in as new Botswana president

Botswana’s new President, Duma Boko, was sworn into office in the capital, Gaborone, by Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane, just hours after his victory in Wednesday’s election was confirmed.

In his inaugural address, Boko expressed gratitude to the people of Botswana for their trust and promised to serve them diligently.

Boko, an opposition leader, was declared the country’s new president after the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) experienced an unexpected loss, bringing an end to its nearly 60-year rule.

Chief Justice Rannowane made the official announcement, congratulating Boko and acknowledging the significant confidence placed in him by the voters.

The general elections, held on Wednesday, resulted in outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi, 63, being unseated as opposition parties collectively secured a majority.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission, opposition parties won at least 35 of the 61 parliamentary seats, surpassing the threshold required to form a government.

Masisi, who served a single term after succeeding Ian Khama in 2019, conceded defeat in Gaborone, stating, “Unexpected as it is, it is a good time to take a rest. I worked six to seven days a week.”

The Umbrella for Democratic Change, led by Boko, won 22 seats, while the Botswana Congress Party, headed by Dumelang Saleshando, claimed eight. The Botswana Patriotic Front, established by supporters of former President Ian Khama, secured five seats.

As of early Friday, the Mmegi newspaper reported that opposition parties had officially gained a majority in parliament, marking the end of the BDP’s long-standing governance since Botswana’s independence in 1966.

Under Botswana’s constitution, the party with the most parliamentary seats elects the president, officially paving the way for Boko’s leadership.