国际英语新闻:2nd LD: Masisi declared winner of Botswana's general election

GABORONE, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi has won Botswana's general elections after his party garnered majority in the national assembly, the chief justice said on Friday.

On Wednesday, the southern African country held its general elections for the 57 members of the national assembly and 490 councilors countrywide.

Terrence Rannowane, Botswana's chief justice, said that although the vote counting is still ongoing, the number of seats of the national assembly secured by the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) enables him to determine which candidate wins the elections.

"Doctor Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi is the elected president of the Republic of Botswana," Rannowane said.

Masisi's BDP has secured 29 seats in the parliament by Friday morning.

At least 924,000 citizens had registered to vote in the polls in 57 constituencies across the country.

The three other nominated candidates are Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change, Ndaba Gaolathe of the Alliance for Progressives, and Biggie Butale of the newly formed Botswana Patriotic Front.