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Botswana's ruling celebration loses election, ending 58-year guideline

Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday conceded defeat after initial results showed his party had lost its parliamentary majority in this week's election, ending nearly 6 years in power.

The personal Mmegi paper and state radio reported that the judgment Botswana Democratic Celebration (BDP) had actually lost by a. landslide, citing results from over half the constituencies.

The opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change. ( UDC) was leading, putting its leader, lawyer Duma Boko, on. track to win the presidency. Boko has not yet openly spoken.

Although I wished to remain on as your president, I respect. the will of individuals and I praise the president-elect. I. will step aside and I will support the new administration,. Masisi stated at an interview.

Experts had said the election would be competitive,. although the BDP had still been widely anticipated to dominate. It. has actually ruled the southern African nation of 2.3 million people. considering that its self-reliance from Britain in 1966.

Mmegi stated based on results from 36 of the 61 constituencies. up for grabs that opposition celebrations had won over half the. seats in parliament, which elects the president.

State radio had the same tally. It stated out of the 36. constituencies so far the BDP had just won one. The UDC had actually won. 25.

A party requires to win 31 constituencies to get a majority in. this election.

Botswana has actually taken pleasure in stability and relative prosperity. thanks to its diamond wealth and small population, which gets. totally free health care and education. It is the world's leading manufacturer by. worth of the gem.

However a recession in the diamond market has put a squeeze on. revenues in the last couple of years, and the country has had a hard time to. diversify its economy.

(source: Reuters)