TIMELINE: African Countries where opposition won Presidential elections

Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) on Friday beat the incumbent President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi to emerge winner of the 2024 Presidential election.

Voters in Botswana rejected the country’s long-serving governing party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in a result that marks a political earthquake in the diamond-rich southern African country.

BDP which has ruled since independence from Britain in 1966, only won four parliamentary seats as of Friday afternoon.

In a phone call to UDC leader Duma Boko, President Masisi conceded and congratulated his opponent.

Masisi said he would “step aside” after his party suffered a resounding defeat in general elections.

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“I wish to congratulate the opposition on their victory and concede the election,” Masisi told reporters at a press conference, adding it had been “a good journey”.

Here are African Countries where opposition parties won presidential election

1. 2024 – Botswana, Senegal
2. 2023 – Liberia
3. 2022 – Lesotho, Somalia
4. 2021 – Zambia, Cape Verde
5. 2020 – Seychelles, Malawi
6. 2018 – DR Congo, Sierra Leone, Madagascar
7. 2017 – Liberia, Somalia, Lesotho
8. 2016 – Ghana, Benin, The Gambia
9. 2015 – Nigeria
10. 2014 – Mauritius, Malawi
11. 2013 – Madagascar
12. 2012 – Mali, Senegal, Lesotho, Somalia
13. 2011 – Niger, Zambia, Cape Verde
14. 2010 – Cote d’Ivoire
15. 2008 – Ghana
16. 2007 – Sierra Leone
17. 2006 – Benin
18. 2005 – Mauritius
19. 2002 – Kenya
20. 2001 – Madagascar
21. 2000 – Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mauritius, Ghana
22. 1998 – Lesotho
23. 1996 – Benin, Madagascar
24. 1995 – Mauritius
25. 1994 – Malawi
26. 1993 – Burundi, Central African Republic, Niger, Madagascar
27. 1992 – Congo
28. 1991 – Zambia, Benin, Cape Verde
29. 1982 – Mauritius