We did not expect this result.
Analysts had given the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), led by Mokgweetsi Masisi less chance of winning the elections on 23 October than its challenger, the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
The best they predicted for BDP was a hung parliament. The worst was outright defeat.
In the end, BDP won 38 seats, one more than in 2014 whilst UDC, led by Duma Boko got 15, three less than in 2014. Former President Ian Khama’s Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) got three whilst the Alliance of Progressives won one seat.
Under the constitution, the President can appoint six distinguished citizens as MPs, which pushes BDPs tally to 44.