Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded defeat on Friday after the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), in power since 1966, lost in general elections.

Preliminary results showed opposition parties had won over half of the 61 seats in parliament, ending the BDP’s nearly six-decade rule.

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by human rights lawyer Duma Boko, secured at least 24 seats, with the Botswana Congress Party and Botswana Patriotic Front winning around 12 seats together, France 24 has reported.

The Independent Electoral Commission was set to confirm the results later on Friday.

Written by B.C. Begley