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Botswana Inaugurates Duma Boko as New President Following Historic Election Victory

Botswana Inaugurates Duma Boko as New President Following Historic Election Victory
Friday 08 November 2024 - 16:20
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Botswana has officially installed Duma Boko as its new president after a decisive electoral triumph that saw the long-standing Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) ousted from power. The BDP, which had governed for nearly six decades, was defeated by Boko's Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which secured a commanding victory at the polls.

On Friday, Boko, 54, took the presidential oath before a crowd of thousands at the national stadium, just nine days after his party's victory. In his address, he reflected on the significance of the election, stating, "For nearly sixty years, our democracy remained unchallenged and untested. On October 30th, we tested this democracy together."

With pride and a sense of accomplishment, Boko continued, "We have passed this test with flying colours," to the enthusiastic applause of the audience. He heralded the moment as the dawn of a new political era, stating, "Together, we usher in a new political dawn."

Former President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who conceded defeat shortly after the election results were clear, attended the ceremony along with leaders from neighboring countries such as Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Despite some boos from the crowd, Boko praised Masisi’s leadership, urging the public to show respect, saying, "Please give him some love."

Boko highlighted Botswana's role as a model of democracy, emphasizing that the peaceful transfer of power should be a lesson for the world. "Botswana has set an example of true democracy for all to see and emulate," he remarked, adding that Masisi’s legacy would remain etched in the nation’s history.

A significant portion of the electorate, particularly young voters, made their voices heard in the election, with youth constituting about a third of the one million registered voters. Despite being one of Africa’s most stable and prosperous nations, Botswana's economy has faced challenges, notably due to the global decline in demand for diamonds, a key export that accounts for over 80% of the country’s revenue.

Many voters sought change after decades of BDP rule, citing concerns over unemployment, economic inequality, and the country’s heavy reliance on diamond sales. The BDP’s administration was also criticized for issues of corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement.

Looking ahead, President Boko has stated that his government’s top priority will be to strengthen relationships with diamond industry partners and to diversify the economy to reduce dependence on the volatile diamond market.


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