In a historic election outcome, Botswana's long-standing ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), has lost its majority in Parliament after nearly 60 years in power.

This week's election results mark a significant political shift as the BDP's control slips to the opposition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which is now poised to secure the majority of the 61 parliamentary seats.

The electoral outcome means that the sitting President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, will not gain the second full term he sought, as Parliament is responsible for electing the president.

President Masisi publicly conceded the race on Friday, pledging to work closely with the new administration, led by Duma Boko, to ensure a smooth transition of power.

Addressing the nation, Masisi stated, "I promise to do my part in building a strong country and to work with the new administration to ensure that every Batswana has opportunities at their fingertips."

Botswana’s 1966 independence from British rule initiated a period of rapid economic growth, primarily driven by diamond mining. The country garnered a reputation for sound economic governance, largely due to effective fiscal policies and a stable political landscape.

However, this success has faltered in recent years, with Botswana's economy facing pressure from a global decline in diamond demand.

Diamond exports, dominated by the mining giant De Beers, have long been Botswana’s economic backbone, but as the diamond market has slowed, so too has the nation’s economic momentum.

In addition to economic struggles, critics have pointed to corruption and mismanagement under the BDP as contributing factors to Botswana’s downturn.

Local educator Tumelo Eetsi expressed optimism for change: “I couldn’t be happier to see us out of the rule of Masisi and his administration. I just wanted to see change for this nation, and I’m hopeful we’ll have a fresh start on many things.”

Botswana’s political shift aligns with a growing trend across southern Africa, where several liberation-era political parties have seen declining support.

In South Africa, for instance, the African National Congress (ANC), which has held power since apartheid's end, lost its parliamentary majority earlier this year. Analysts say that younger voters, who represent an increasingly influential demographic, are less concerned with independence-era legacies and are prioritizing economic issues like employment and education.

Botswana currently grapples with an unemployment rate of nearly 28 percent, with youth unemployment even higher, nearing 38 percent.

As Botswana transitions to new leadership, the country faces the dual challenge of economic recovery and addressing social issues that have fueled public discontent.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Botswana’s growth will reach just 1 percent this year, a notable decline from 2022’s 5.5 percent growth rate, underscoring the economic hurdles awaiting the incoming government.