Duma Boko to be inaugurated as Botswana President
Established in 2012, the UDC is a coalition including Boko's BNF, the Botswana Movement for Democracy, and the Botswana People's Party.
Botswana President-Elect Duma Boko. Picture: @duma_boko/X
JOHANNESBURG - Botswana will officially inaugurate president-elect Duma Boko on Friday after the long-time ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) lost its grip on power in recent elections.
After 58 years at the helm, the BDP lost to Boko's opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in a historic outcome of the 30 October polls.
The inauguration is set to take place at the national stadium in the capital, Gaborone.
Heads of states and leaders from Africa and the rest of the globe are expected to attend the event.
Taking over the reins from incumbent president Mokgweetsi Masisi, 54-year-old Boko's ascension to become Botswana’s first citizen has been described as a seismic shift for the country.
As leader of the Botswana National Front (BNF), Boko played a crucial role in the formation of the now triumphant collective UDC.
Established in 2012, the UDC is a coalition including Boko's BNF, the Botswana Movement for Democracy, and the Botswana People's Party.
Friday's inauguration is significant as it marks the first time in democratic history that Botswana is not led by the BDP.
READ: Ramaphosa congratulates Boko on Botswana election victory
Once all the pomp and ceremony has concluded, Boko will have his work cut out for him as citizens look to him to urgently address issues including a rising unemployment rate, exacerbated by a global downturn in the demand for mined diamonds.
South Africa will be represented by Deputy President Paul Mashatile at the occasion, while Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema is also expected to attend.