Botswana has sent a powerful message to the world: democracy is alive and well in Africa. After a historic election that saw the ruling party lose power for the first time since independence, the country has witnessed a smooth and peaceful transfer of power, setting an example for the continent.
Newly elected President Duma Boko, whose Umbrella for Democratic Change party won a resounding victory, praised outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi for ensuring a seamless handover. Boko declared, "This is democracy in motion; this is democracy exemplified, sent as an abiding lesson to the whole world to say to the African continent — it must happen, it can happen and when it does, it is one of the most beautiful experiences a country can go through."
Masisi, who served only one term, acknowledged the weight of his responsibility in ensuring a smooth transition. "I knew I had a responsibility to make sure we set a standard," he said, highlighting the significance of this first change of government in Botswana's history.
Analysts attribute the change in leadership to mounting economic grievances, particularly among young people. However, the peaceful transfer of power underscores the strength of Botswana's democratic institutions, which have remained resilient despite a long period of one-party rule.
Piers Pigou of the Institute of Security Studies in Pretoria, while acknowledging concerns about potential corruption under the Masisi administration, emphasized that the smooth transition was expected given Botswana's long history of democratic practice. "The fact that we have had an expedited and smooth transfer of power should really surprise no one given Botswana’s pedigree," Pigou said. "Of course, there are many lessons for the region where such reflections of such pluralism are largely absent. One hopes there will be lessons learned."
Pigou highlighted Botswana's reputation as a beacon of democracy in the region, with strong independent institutions. "Notwithstanding the fact that Botswana has been ruled by one party for almost six decades until this recent election, it is nevertheless held out as an example of democratic practice, strong independent institutions for the most part in the southern Africa region," he said. "But I think by and large what this election has shown is that the institutions have held firm." Masisi, while maintaining his innocence regarding any alleged improprieties during his tenure, expressed his willingness to defend himself if necessary.
Botswana's example serves as a powerful reminder that democratic transitions can be peaceful and successful, even after decades of single-party rule. It offers hope for other African nations seeking to build stronger democracies and ensure a more equitable future. The story is from VOA.