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[...] In a phone call to UDC leader Duma Boko, President Mokgweetsi Masisi conceded and congratulated his opponent.

Despite overseeing a dramatic change in Botswana, recent poor economic growth and high unemployment dented the BDP’s popularity.

The party "had got it wrong big time", Masisi told a press conference.

"I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth transition process ahead of inauguration. I am proud of our democratic processes and I respect the will of the people."

He has urged his supporters to remain calm and rally behind the new government.

Speaking to Boko on the phone, the outgoing president said: "You can count on me to always be there to provide whatever guidance you might want."

In his first comments to the media since the outcome was clear, Boko, a 54-year-old former human rights lawyer, said: "What has happened today takes our democracy to a higher level. It now means we've seen a successful, peaceful, orderly democratic transition." [...]

[...] [...]

[...]It was the first conviction of a Louisville police officer who was involved in the deadly raid.

Some members of the jury were in tears as the verdict was read around 9:30 p.m. They had earlier indicated to the judge in two separate messages that they were deadlocked on the charge of using excessive force on Taylor, but chose to continue deliberating. The six man, six woman jury deliberated for more than 20 hours over three days. [...]