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Rufaro Samanga
Oct. 25, 2019 07:39AM EST
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Botswana's Mokgweetsi Masisi Wins Highly Contested Elections

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party, which has been in power since the country obtained independence in 1966, won 51 percent of the vote.

On Wednesday, the Batswana people headed to the polls to cast their votes for both national parliament and local government councils. At least 931 000 reportedly turned up to the polls to vote in what was described as a highly contested election primarily between the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), under the leadership of President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and the coalition of opposition parties termed the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC). News24 reports that the votes have been counted and the BDP secured the minimum 29 seats in parliament required to form a government. While counting is still underway to determine who will secure the remaining 28 seats, Botswana's Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane announced that there were "sufficient results" to announce President Masisi as the winner.

According to The South African, opposition parties have rejected the election results calling them unfair. The UDC alleges that it received complains with regards to "widespread election irregularities" and "unnecessary delays" at several polling stations. While they have 30 days to lodge a formal complaint with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the electoral body reports that it has not received any complaints corroborating the UDC's claims.

Botswana's former president, Ian Khama, left the BDP for the newly-formed Botswana Progressive Front (BPF) a few months ago after falling out with Masisi. Khama has since accused his successor of undermining the country's democracy following a number of changes he made to the policies Khama had put in place during his time in office.

Here are a few responses from Batswana citizens on social media:





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Image courtesy of Daily Paper

Wekafore Releases Fela Kuti Inspired Collab With Daily Paper

The one-of-a-kind 'The Spirit Don't Die' capsule collection celebrates African heritage and a hope for a brighter future.

Amsterdam-based African streetwear brand Daily Paper has joined Nigerian fashion brand Wekafore in creating a unique capsule collection of note. The 'The Spirit Don't Die' collection is inspired by fashion and Nigerian activism icon Fela Kuti, but celebrates the bountiful beauty, potential, and heritage of Africans.

Nigerian designer Wekaforé Maniu Jibril, owner, and designer of the Wekafore brand has been hot since his 2013 debut. The brand has gone on to become a great success within the realm of West African fashion. Wekaforé represents a newer, more fearless generation of African designers and their latest collaborative collection tells the tale.

Daily Paper x Wekaforé 'The Spirit Don't Die' collectionImage courtesy of Daily Paper


The two popular brands share a rich history and intention to further African fashion's reputation in the world, as well as as a shared desire for raw necessity, organic growth, and authentic community engagement, development and, support. The fashion brands are making it known that street and casual wear are more than we once thought - fashion can be inclusive and fun. The stars truly aligned to bring us this partnership guided by similar core values and the hunger to celebrate Africa and her diasporas through fashion.

The Fela Kuti-inspired collection is filled with distinctive and bold pieces, honoring Africa's past while paving the way towards the future. Wekafore is known for their clear integration of West Africa's 1970's cultural golden age, and this limited collection speaks to those themes, making it a no-brainer to dedicate the line to the legendary King of Afrobeat, whose style never disappointed. It's clear to see how Kuti's influence inspired the exciting and vibrant creative renaissance seen in the collection. On using Kuti as his muse, Wekaforé says, "Like Fela, the pieces are very punk, very psychedelic, and very African at the same time. And that represents me 100%. And I think being able to speak that way through a platform like Daily Paper is a testament to contemporary African consciousness."


Image courtesy of Daily Paper

Daily Paper x Wekafore 'The Spirit Don't Die' Collection

Check out more of Daily Paper x Wekafore's collection 'The Spirit Don't Die' collection here.

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