Masisi Earns Praise for Dignified Concession, Strengthening Botswana's Democracy

Botswana's former president Mokgweetsi Masisi

Botswana's former president Mokgweetsi Masisi deserves high praise for breaking a stubborn pattern in African politics by gracefully conceding defeat during the recent general election in the landlocked country.

While many leaders across the continent cling fiercely and brutely to power, often at the expense of democracy and stability, Masisi has set a powerful example that should be emulated by his peers across the continent.

Masisi’s decision to accept the will of the people not only upholds democratic values but also signals a refreshing commitment to peaceful transitions of power—something still all too rare in the region.

When it dawned on him that his Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), of which he was a presidential candidate, had lost its parliamentary majority by a landslide, Masisi addressed a hastily convened a media briefing, even before the official results had been announced, and declared: “My fellow Batswana, I stand before you this morning humbled but proud, at the end of my first term as president. I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victory and concede the elections.

“I’m proud of our democratic processes and I respect the will of the people. I wish to assure you, all of you, as I’ve already assured the president-elect, Advocate Duma Boko, that although I wished to continue serving you as your president for a second term and final term, I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth transition process ahead of inauguration. I’d like to thank the BDP and its supporters and encourage them all to accept the democratic results and the will of the people.”

Masisi did something unusual here for an African leader. He actually conceded defeat. Rather than disputing the results, seeking to extend his tenure, or manipulating legal loopholes to cling to power, he acknowledged the will of the people.

This decision may seem ordinary in well-established democracies, but in a region where many leaders refuse to leave office, it is an act of political courage and integrity that should be celebrated.

Masisi had unfettered state power that he could have used and abused to undermine the will of the people and the country’s democratic processes. But he chose democracy. Now Boko, who is leader of the opposition coalition dubbed Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), is waiting in the wings to be crowned the new president of the diamond-rich nation, ending the reign of BDP, which has ruled the African country since its 1966 independence from Britain.

It must be said that the election outcome offers a glimmer of hope for democracy in the region where many leaders cling to power for decades, often employing authoritarian tactics to secure positions for themselves and their cronies. This is, after all, a continent where leaders consider their positions as lifelong tenures, opting to die in office than relinquish power democratically.

It’s an established fact that leaders in many of the 54 countries in the continent have used various means to maintain their grip on power, often citing stability or national security as justification for overstaying their welcome. This trend has weakened democratic norms and caused widespread disillusionment among African citizens, particularly younger generations who feel disenfranchised and frustrated by stagnant leadership.

Masisi, by contrast, has set an example that could resonate beyond Botswana’s borders. Conceding defeat not only reinforces the legitimacy of the democratic process but also builds public trust in electoral systems.

It signals to the people that their votes truly matter and that leaders are accountable to the electorate. This symbolic, yet powerful gesture, is essential in fostering democratic values, showing that power is not an entitlement, but a responsibility bestowed by the people, and one that can be taken back by the people through free and fair elections, just Botswana has shown us.

This is a powerful lesson in democratic integrity, and one that offers hope for the African continent, that with the right leaders in place, the continent can only go forward towards a future underpinned by democratic values and empowered citizenry.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Boko and the government and the people of Botswana “on the success of the recently concluded election in SA’s neighbouring nation”.

The media statement from the Presidency read: “President Ramaphosa commends the Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition on its success in the election under the leadership of President-Elect Boko and welcomes outgoing President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s stated preparations for a transition that follows 58 years of governance by the Botswana Democratic Party.”

It quoted Ramaphosa as saying: “The success of the election in our sister nation is an important and affirming demonstration of democratic maturity in our region and on our continent. As South Africa, we look forward to deepening our fraternal relations and cooperation with the Republic of Botswana, with outcomes that will benefit both our nations.”

EFF leader Julius Malema posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Revolutionary congratulations to Mr President Duma Boko. Your unwavering perseverance and resilience truly inspire all of us. He’s already promised to lift my visa restrictions, can’t wait to see you soon, Botswana!”

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat posted on X: “The SADC extends its congratulations to His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko on his election as the 6th president of the Republic of Botswana.”

In a statement, the chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, commended the credible elections and smooth democratic transition in Botswana. He noted that Botswana has consistently been a “leading democracy in Africa, “showcasing the consolidation of effective democratic governance through regular elections since independence in September 1966”.

“In this regard, the Chairperson congratulates the newly elected President of the Republic of Botswana, Duma Boko and leader of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) coalition on his brilliant election. Likewise, the Chairperson commends former President, Mokgweetsi Masisi for his exemplary leadership and magnanimity by ensuring smooth transfer of power and conceding defeat prior to the release of official election results.

“Furthermore, the Chairperson applauds all Batswana and stakeholders for their strong belief in democracy and contributions to the just concluded elections. The Chairperson expresses deep appreciation to H.E. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for efficiently leading the AU Election Observation Mission to Botswana.

“The Chairperson reaffirms AU's steadfast commitment to the implementation of Agenda 2063, premised on the promotion and safeguard of constitutional democracy and inclusive governance of AU Member States.”

As Botswana's newly-elected president takes the reins, expectations are high and all eyes are on the vision he's set out. With promises of economic transformation, sustainable development, and a stronger voice on the global stage, he's positioned himself as a leader who’s ready to navigate Botswana into a new era.

Now it’s time to see if he can turn words into action and lead Botswana into a prosperous future.