South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Namibian counterpart Nangolo Mbumba have extended their congratulations to Duma Boko following his election as Botswana’s new president.
Boko’s victory in the recent general elections represents a significant political shift in the southern African nation, ending nearly six decades of governance by the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
Boko’s Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) won 36 seats in parliament in elections held on October 30, followed by Botswana Congress Party (BCP) with 15, while Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) and BDP managed five and four seats, respectively.
The lawyer, aged 54, became Botswana’s sixth president following his swearing-in last Friday.
Ramaphosa commended the UDC coalition for its success and welcomed outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s commitment to a smooth and orderly transition.
“The success of the election in our sister nation is an important and affirming demonstration of democratic maturity in our region and on our continent,” the South African leader said.
He added: “As South Africa, we look forward to deepening our fraternal relations and cooperation with the Republic of Botswana, with outcomes that will benefit both our nations.”
Mbumba echoed these sentiments in his message of congratulations, praising Boko and the UDC for their electoral triumph.
“I equally commend my dear brother President Mokgweetsi Masisi for promptly accepting the will of the people and by committing to prepare an orderly and peaceful transition,” Mbumba said.
The peaceful conduct of the elections has been affirmed by observers from the Southern African Development Community and the African Union, both of which noted a calm political and security environment before and after the voting.
JN/APA