Outgoing Botswana president Masisi hands over office to Boko: Video
Botswana's new government, led by Duma Boko, is gearing up to tackle challenges following a surprising electoral victory that ended the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 58-year reign.
Boko was sworn in on Friday, November 1, just two days after his Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) party won a landslide, capturing 36 seats in parliament; five more than needed for a majority.
The BDP, which has held power since the country’s independence from Britain in 1966, managed to secure only six seats, marking its lowest total ever.
Outgoing president Mokgweetsi Masisi acknowledged the unexpected defeat, stating, "We got it wrong big time in the eyes of the people."
Political analysts are calling this a "seismic shift" in Botswana's political landscape. Independent analyst Olopeng Rabasimane commented, "Change is here," noting the potential for Boko's presidency to transform the country based on the ambitious pledges made during the UDC's campaign.
These include plans to create up to 500,000 jobs, build 100,000 houses in five years, reduce water and electricity tariffs by 30 percent, and provide health insurance for all citizens.
In his acceptance speech, Boko emphasized his intention to introduce a minimum wage of 4,000 pula (approximately $300) and to stabilize relationships with diamond industry partners while diversifying the economy away from its dependence on diamonds.
Voter concerns included the high unemployment rate, which stands at around 27 percent, and the growing disparity between rich and poor.
However, Boko's administration will face a challenging financial situation. Keith Jefferis, an independent economist and former government official, pointed out that the new government is stepping into power amid financial difficulties, worsened by years of overspending and declining diamond sales; the mainstay of Botswana's economy.
"They're coming into power at a time when government finances are in a very, very bad state, partly because previous governments have been overspending for years," he told AFP.
With an impressive 80 percent turnout from over one million registered voters, expectations for the UDC are high.
