November 2024

  By Online Desk In a landmark moment for Botswana’s democracy, President Mokgweetsi Masisi has conceded defeat after his ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) suffered a huge loss in the country’s general elections held this week. The BDP, which has held power since Botswana gained independence in 1966, secured only four parliamentary seats as of today afternoon counts. The opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by Duma Boko, emerged victorious. In a concession speech this morning, Masisi acknowledged his party’s defeat, stating, “The party got it wrong big time.” He pledged to ensure a smooth transition of power and urged his supporters to remain calm and rally behind the new government. Masisi also congratulated UDC leader Duma Boko in a phone call, offering guidance and support during the transition period. Duma Boko, a 54-year-old former human rights lawyer, hailed the election outcome as a significant milestone for Botswana’s democracy. “What has happened today takes our democracy to a higher level,” Boko said. “It now means we’ve seen a successful, peaceful, orderly democratic transition.” The UDC’s victory marks the first time in 58 years that the BDP has lost power.

Online Desk  Kenya’s new Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was sworn in on Friday after a court lifted orders barring his inauguration following weeks of legal challenges by his predecessor, who was impeached by parliament last month. The Senate voted to remove Rigathi Gachagua, the previous deputy president, from office in October on charges including gross violation of the constitution and stirring ethnic hatred – accusations that he rejects and has dismissed as politically motivated. Kenya’s High Court had put Kindiki’s inauguration on hold after Gachagua and his supporters filed over 30 court challenges to prevent his dismissal and replacement. But the stay order was lifted on Thursday, with judges saying that the deputy president position should not remain vacant according to the constitution. Gachagua’s legal battles extended months of political turbulence in the country, East Africa’s largest economy, that began with nationwide protests against unpopular tax hikes in June.