Politicos at school of hard knocks

You seldom hear honest self-assessment from a politician, so it was refreshing to hear the words of Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi yesterday as he accepted defeat in the country's election.

"We got it wrong big time in the eyes of the people," Masisi said.

"We were really convinced of our message. But every indication, by any measure, is that there's no way that I can pretend that we're going to form a government."

He added: "I will respectfully step aside and participate in a smooth and transparent transition process ahead of inauguration."