On 30 October, the citizens of Botswana voted in parliamentary and local council elections.

The EU congratulates President Duma Gideon Boko on his election, and the people of Botswana on the peaceful exercise of their civic rights.

The EU welcomes the exemplary transition of power, after outgoing President Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi conceded defeat and appealed to his followers to rally behind the new Government. His Botswana Democratic Party had been in power since the country’s independence in 1966.

 As like-minded partners at multilateral level, we have a strong partnership since decades. We are driven by shared values of democracy and respect for the rule of law. We are economically linked and cooperate on issues, such as economic diversification and job creation, green transformation and digitalisation. 

The EU and Botswana relations are strong, and we look forward to further strengthening our partnership with Botswana once the new Government is in place.