Politics
Botswana’s ruling party loses election, ending 58-year rule
Botswana’s ruling party loses election, ending 58-year rule
Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday conceded defeat after preliminary results showed his party had lost its parliamentary majority in this week’s election, ending nearly six decades in power.
The private Mmegi newspaper and state radio reported that the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) had lost by a landslide, citing results from over half the constituencies.
The opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) was leading, putting its leader, lawyer Duma Boko, on track to win the presidency. Boko has not yet publicly spoken.
“Although I wanted to stay on as your president, I respect the will of the people and I congratulate the president-elect. I will step aside and I will support the new administration,” Masisi said at a press conference.
Analysts had said the election would be competitive, although the BDP had still been widely expected to prevail. It has ruled the southern African country of 2.3 million people since its independence from Britain in 1966.
Mmegi said based on results from 36 of the 61 constituencies up for grabs that opposition parties had won more than half the seats in parliament, which elects the president.
State radio had the same tally. It said out of the 36 constituencies so far the BDP had only won one. The UDC had won 25.
A party needs to win 31 constituencies to get a majority in this election.
Botswana has enjoyed stability and relative prosperity thanks to its diamond wealth and small population, which gets free healthcare and education. It is the world’s top producer by value of the gem.
But a downturn in the diamond market has put a squeeze on revenues in the last few years, and the country has struggled to diversify its economy.
The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.
Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.
Politics
“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark
ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians
Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.
“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.
“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.
Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.
The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.
Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.
“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.
“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.
“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.
“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.
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