Botswana election: Duma Boko – the politician who did the unthinkable

Boko captivated the nation going through difficult economic times with promises of change, employment and government stipends.

“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 would ask supporters to come closer and listen to their grievances in a way that made him appealing to young people, the journalist added. Boko was serious, but always engaging and friendly.

He also ruled out running as a member of parliament and put all his efforts into becoming president – a bold move, according to Selatlhwa.

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

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

During his time in school, he was elected president of the student council.

In his legal career, he emerged as one of the country’s top lawyers, according to political analyst Lesole Machacha.