Botswana: Duma Boko aged 54 has been sworn as the new President of Botswana. He has created the history by winning the general elections in Botswana and has become the first opposition candidate to achieve this, in 58 years.
Newly elected President, Boko is a Harvard Graduate and a Lawyer. In his first speech he said that he dare not fail or disappoint anyone as he knows very well that his well-wishers and supporters have many expectations from him.
Reportedly, voters in Botswana have given a shocking defeat to the political party that has ruled them for nearly six decades by handing over the victory to an opposition coalition and its presidential candidate Duma Boko.
Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) replaced President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday, who conceded the defeat after his Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), as he lost by a landslide for the first time in fifty-eight years.
In an audio clip released from the phone call with Boko, Masisi said that from tomorrow he will start the process of handover. He posted the clip on his official social media handle that signaled towards a smooth transition of power.
He added, “You can count on me to always be there. To provide whatever guidance you might want and help you with whatever you need. We will be loyal opposition to each other.”
Following this, Chief Justice – Terence Rannowane officially declared Boko the victor on Friday afternoon. He stated, “I had honour and privilege to declare him as the elected president of Botswana. I congratulate you profoundly for the much confidence that the people have shown in you.”
Later, Boko was sworn in during a closed session at the office of the chief justice. The newly elected president, in his first public remarks said that he was humbled by the election outcome.
Boko added further, “I pledge with every fibre of my being that I will do everything I can. I will not do anything to fail, or to disappoint. Will be progressing to always appreciate the enormity of the responsibility bestowed upon me by the people of this republic. It is their government.”
This was for the third time that Duma Boko has ran for president after contesting in 2014 and 2019. He founded UDC in 2012 to unite opposition groups against the BDP.