Elections in Botswana: Duma Boko – the politician who did the unthinkable

Boko has charmed a nation facing difficult economic times with his promises of change, employment and government scholarships.

“People fell in love with him and this is the result,” journalist Innocent Selatlhwa told the BBC’s Focus on Africa podcast.

Throughout his campaign, at rallies, Boko asked his supporters to come closer and listen to their grievances in a way that made him attractive to young people, the journalist added. Boko was serious, but always charming and friendly.

He also refused to stand as a member of parliament and made every effort to become president, which Selatlhwa said was a bold move.

Born in 1969 in the Central District of the country, in the small town of Mahalapye, Boko, according to relatives, always had a sense of respect.

“He was so focused on doing the right thing. His sense of justice was deep,” his aunt told a local newspaper.

While attending school, he was elected student council president.

His legal career has made him one of the country’s top lawyers, according to political analyst Lesole Machacha.