President Nangolo Mbumba has applauded the demonstration of unity by Botswana's new President, Duma Boko, and his predecessor, Mokgweetsi Masisi, following the general elections.
Our news team engaged President Mbumba upon his return from the ceremony on Friday.
"Everything went very well; the former President Masisi and the new President Boko are brothers, as we all should be when these things happen. It was attended by the President of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, the Prime Minister of Eswatini, and other Prime Ministers. So the attendance was good, and the atmosphere was good. There were not many speeches; only the incoming President had a speech, and everything was conducted by the Supreme Court Justice. And to my surprise, he even knows Namibia very well; he even knows the street called Nangolo Mbumba Drive in Walvis Bay, so we are already on talking terms, so everything is okay."
Former President Masisi's decision to concede the elections, ending BDP's 58-year rule, has since received praise from SADC and the world over.
His successor, Advocate Boko, too, made it clear that this move had consolidated Botswana's tag as a vibrant democracy that continues to serve as a benchmark for other countries.
For President Mbumba, upholding the Constitution is non-negotiable, as he commended former President Masisi.
"Within the region really, anyone who does not respect their own Constitution of your country by not accepting the results of the elections, basically you are not accepting the will of the people. President Masisi is a democrat; he accepted the result of the people; he will continue to contribute to his party; and he will continue to be a proud Motswana."