Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
BOTSWANA’s incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi has promised a seamless transition to the incoming administration after the Botswana Democratic Party lost in the October 30 elections.
Briefing the media this morning, President Masisi said he will hand over government matters to the president-elect and that there will be a seamless transition of power.
“We were established as a beacon of truth and democracy. We believed it then, and we continue to believe it today. Starting tomorrow, or as in my discussion with the president elect, at a time coherent to him we will begin all administrative work to facilitate the transition, and I assure you that I will not take any actions to hinder or slow down this process.
“I will also hand over all outstanding government matters to the new president, so he may adjust them after his inauguration. I will continue to serve your interests and the interests of my beloved Botswana within the parameters of our constitution. I promise to do my part in building a stronger country from within and to work with the new administration to ensure that every Botswana has opportunities at their fingertips,” he said.
The Umbrella for Democratic Change is leading in released preliminary results, making its candidate, Duma Boko, the favorite to become president of one of the world’s biggest producers of mined diamonds.
Meanwhile, the SADC electoral observation mission (SEOM) has released a preliminary report on the holding of the elections in Botswana.
Head of SEOM His Excellency Mizengo Kayanza Peter Pinda said environment at all the polling stations across Botswana was calm and peaceful with most polling stations accessible to all voters.
Four parties were competing in the 2024 Botswana elections.
