Botswana's ruling party concedes defeat after 58 years in power

Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi has conceded defeat in the general election, marking the end of the Botswana Democratic Party's 58-year rule. The opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change is leading, with Duma Boko likely to become the new president. Masisi announced his concession before final results were confirmed, stating the BDP had no path to a majority. The UDC has won 25 of the 61 parliamentary seats counted so far, while the BDP secured only three. The election reflects a significant shift in Botswana's political landscape, as the country faces economic challenges, including rising unemployment and a downturn in diamond demand. This is the first time another party will govern since Botswana's independence in 1966.