Shock Vote Outcome Ends Botswana Ruling Party’s 58-Year Rule
- President Masisi concedes defeat, says he will respect outcome
- Masisi’s party pays price of diamond-market meltdown
Mokgweetsi Masisi at a polling station in Moshupa Village, west of Gaborone, on Oct. 30.
Photographer: Phill Magakoe/AFP/Getty Images
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Botswana’s leader conceded defeat after his party was trounced in parliamentary elections amid an economic slump, a shock outcome that ends its 58-year grip on power.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party paid the price of a downturn triggered by a collapse in the diamond market, which generates the bulk of government revenue and export earnings, and has left the country with a 28% unemployment rate. High levels of crime and corruption have also fueled public anger and led to growing disaffection with democracy.