After an unprecedented 58 years in power, the citizens of Botswana have made a historic decision, rejecting the long-serving Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in favour of an opposition party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).

This election result, a seismic shift in the diamond-rich southern African nation, carries profound historical significance. It cements the country's political position as a beacon of hope for African democratic processes. With its monumental historical weight, this moment will be etched in the annals of African political history, enlightening us about the dynamic and evolving nature of democracy in Africa.

According to the early tallies, the victorious opposition party, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, won 27 seats. The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)—in power since independence in 1966—was in fourth place with three parliamentary seats, behind the UDC, Botswana Congress Party, and Botswana Patriotic Front.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi, a 63-year-old former high school teacher and UNICEF worker, had conceded, saying that it was clear his party had lost Wednesday's general election "massively".

Despite overseeing a dramatic change in Botswana, a country with vast deposits of diamonds and a thriving tourism industry, recent poor economic growth and high unemployment, mainly caused by a global fall in the price of diamonds, dented the BDP's popularity.

The President conceded and called the opposition winner, Duma Boko, to assure him of his support, a move rare in many African countries where the thirst for power and urge for political longevity is the order of the day. President Masisi's conceding defeat, a rare display of political integrity, starkly contrasts the norm of clinging to power at all costs, making it a unique and commendable event in African political history. His action serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring us with the possibility of a more democratic and respectful political landscape in Africa.

"I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victories and concede the elections. I am proud of our democratic processes, and I respect the will of the people." Masisi said in a press conference on Friday.

"I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth transition process ahead of inauguration," he said.

President Masisi urged his supporters to remain calm and rally behind the new government.

Legally cementing the victory, the Chief Justice of Botswana, Terence Rannowane, who oversees the country's judiciary and ensures the fairness of the election process, officially declared the 54-year-old UDC leader Duma Boko the victor on Friday afternoon. The Chief Justice's role in this process is crucial, as it demonstrates the independence and integrity of Botswana's judiciary, a critical factor in ensuring free and fair elections. The Chief Justice's declaration validates the election results and reinforces the trust in the country's judicial system, a key pillar of democracy.

 "I have the honour and privilege to declare him as elected President of Botswana. I congratulate you profoundly for the confidence that the people have shown in you," the Chief Justice said.

As much as one applauds the latest political metamorphosis in Botswana, a couple of unique antitheses could be drawn in comparison with the political realities in other African countries. First, Duma Boko's opposition UDC did dislodge the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) from power after six decades in power, a near-impossible feat in Africa where the President enjoys enormous and most often unchecked power over the security apparatuses, coupled with substantial financial resources at the President's disposal, backed up with intimidating power of incumbency. In a continent where sit-tight syndrome is the order of the day, it is a norm for the sitting President to roll out all the advantages at their disposal to rig the election and remain in office. The "democratic" leaders amongst them would arrogantly and confidently ask the "defeated" oppositions to go to court after the election and mandate had been stolen from them. How "democratic" and a sign of “Statesmanship" that might appear; however, my father had always warned me that when one steals from you and quickly asks you to go to court, it is either their friend or relative who is the judge of the court. We saw how that played out in many African countries after opposition mandates were stolen, either by intimidation or rigging. This stark contrast in political practices between Botswana and other African countries underscores the unique and commendable nature of the recent political change in Botswana, inspiring hope for the future of African democracy.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi had the power, resources and means to circumvent the election in his favour; the army and security agents were answerable to him. He had the country's coffer at his disposal to bribe the judges, but he chose to put the interest of his country and citizens above his political ambition. This noble deed, a shining example of integrity and selflessness, must be written in the African political golden book of honourable mention, a compulsory reference book for other African leaders. As much as President Mokgweetsi Masisi lost the election, he is a strong and rare breed among African leaders. He deserves global respect and praise and the prestigious Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.

The second lesson one can draw from the recent election in Botswana is the importance of conceding defeat. It is not uncommon to see leaders refusing to accept defeat in an election. While such a condemnable attitude is typical in Africa, other parts of the world are not exempt from such an inglorious practice. The result is distrust, division, anarchy, and lawlessness, seriously harming a country's socio-political and economic progress. Upholding democratic principles, including accepting defeat, is not just a matter of political etiquette but a crucial factor for the stability and progress of a nation.

That said, the opposition party in Botswana could only wrestle power from the powerful ruling BDP party, which had been in power for six decades, by sheer determination, resilience, cooperation and unity, without which they would not have formed a formidable force to defeat the giant Baobab BDP party. Change comes with resilience and determination; this becomes even more necessary in a political terrain where it is anathema to relinquish power willingly. Botswana has once demonstrated that it is a small but mighty country that respects the rule of law, an indispensable ingredient for stability and growth. It is an enviable achievement for every Batswana to be proud of.

Botswana, a pacemaker in African politics, has much to teach the world about the importance of citizen empowerment. Politics is about service, and leaders are mere servants of the electorate. The masses choose leaders to serve them, and they should be the ones to assess their performance and determine whether to approve or disapprove of their service. This can only happen through the election. On the other hand, leaders must respect the will of the subjects who put them into power. This emphasis on citizen empowerment should engage the audience and make them feel the power they hold in shaping their country's future, instilling a sense of duty and ownership in the democratic process. The recent political change in Botswana serves as a beacon of hope for African democratic processes, demonstrating that citizens can bring about significant political change and shape their country's future with determination, resilience, and unity.

Botswana, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, Duma Boko and every Batswana have once demonstrated that the power lies in the hands of the citizens who give the leaders the mandate to govern. Yes, the latest election in Botswana has produced a forceful political earthquake; it is left for other African countries to learn from the Botswana political experience and allow the earthquake to resurrect and transcend into political consciousness and hopes in their various constituencies, which will bring transformational changes on the continent. It happened in Botswana; it can happen in other African countries if we show much-needed determination, resilience and unity. Yes, we can.