The electoral defeat of the Botswana Democratic Party, led by Mokgweetsi Masisi, was met with surprise in neighboring states. Few expected the party, which had ruled the country since independence in 1966, to suffer such a decisive loss in the 30 October 2024 national elections. The Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition secured 36 seats in the 61-seat National Assembly, while the Botswana Congress Party won 15 seats, the Botswana Patriotic Front five, and the Botswana Democratic Party just four. An independent candidate claimed one seat. For the latest news & views from every corner of the …