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South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Namibian counterpart Nangolo Mbumba have extended their greetings to Duma Boko following his election as Botswana’s new president and appreciate his predecessor for an orderly and peaceful transition. Duma Boko, the lawyer aged 54, became Botswana’s sixth president following his swearing-in last Friday.
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.
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 South Africa’s sister nation is an important and affirming demonstration of democratic maturity in the region, said the South African leader. He added that South Africa looks forward to deepening its fraternal relations and cooperation with the Republic of Botswana, which will benefit both our nations.
Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba echoed similar sentiments in his message of congratulations, praising Boko and the UDC for their electoral triumph. He equally commended President Mokgweetsi Masisi for promptly accepting the will of the people and committing to prepare an orderly and peaceful transition.
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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.
