Botswana’s new government, led by Duma Boko, is gearing up to tackle challenges following a surprising electoral victory that ended the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 58-year reign.

Boko was sworn in on Friday, just two days after his Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) party won a landslide, capturing 36 seats in parliament; five more than needed for a majority.

The BDP, which has held power since the country’s independence from Britain in 1966, managed to secure only six seats, marking its lowest total ever.

Outgoing president Mokgweetsi Masisi acknowledged the unexpected defeat, stating, “We got it wrong big time in the eyes of the people.”

In his acceptance speech, Boko emphasized his intention to introduce a minimum wage of 4,000 pula (approximately $300) and to stabilize relationships with diamond industry partners while diversifying the economy away from its dependence on diamonds.