Preliminary results from Botswana's elections indicate a historic defeat for the ruling party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which has governed the diamond-rich nation since gaining independence from Britain in 1966. Opposition parties have gained enough seats to take control of parliament, with reports showing that the three opposition groups collectively secured 31 of the 61 seats in the national legislature during Wednesday's elections.

According to various counting centers, the left-leaning Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, emerged as the frontrunner with 19 seats. The Botswana Congress Party (BCP) followed with seven seats, while the Botswana Patriotic Front claimed five seats. So far, the BDP has managed to win only one seat.

The Independent Electoral Commission is expected to confirm these results later on Friday as counting is still ongoing. Under Botswana's election rules, the first party to reach 31 seats will be declared the winner and its candidate installed as president.

With over one million registered voters in a population of 2.6 million, issues such as unemployment and perceived mismanagement during President Mokgweetsi Masisi's first term have fueled dissatisfaction among the electorate. Botswana is recognized as the world's second-largest diamond producer, following Russia.