The political framework of Botswana

Political Outline

Current Political Leaders

President: Duma BOKO (since 1 November 2024); the president is both chief of state and head of government.

Next Election Dates

Presidential: October 2029
Parliamentary:  October 2029

Main Political Parties

The main political parties and coalitions in Botswana are:

• Botswana Democratic Party (BDP): Centre to centre-right, conservative (dominant party since Botswana’s independence in 1966).
• Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC): A political alliance of centre-left parties, including the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), Botswana National Front (BNF), Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), and Botswana People's Party (BPP).
• Botswana Congress Party (BCP): Centre to centre-left, social democratic.
• Botswana National Front (BNF): Centre-left, Christian left, social democratic (major opposition party).
• Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF): Centre to centre-right, populist.
• Botswana People’s Party (BPP): Left-wing, social democratic, pan-Africanist.
• Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD): Centre, liberal.
• Alliance for Progressives (AP): Centre, liberal.

Executive Power

Executive power in Botswana is vested in the government. The President of Botswana serves as both the chief of state and head of government, as well as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The President is indirectly elected by the National Assembly for a five-year term, with eligibility for a second and final term. The Vice-President is appointed by the President, but the appointment must be endorsed by the National Assembly.

Legislative Power

Legislative power in Botswana is vested in both the government and the National Assembly. The unicameral Parliament consists of 65 members: 57 are directly elected in single-seat constituencies by a first-past-the-post system, while 6 are nominated by the President and elected indirectly by a simple majority vote within the National Assembly. The remaining 2 members, the President and the Attorney General, are ex officio members. Additionally, the National Assembly is advised by an advisory body known as Ntlo ya Dikgosi, which consists of 35 members: 8 hereditary chiefs from Botswana's principal tribes, 22 elected indirectly by the chiefs, and 5 appointed by the President. This advisory body consults on issues related to the powers of chiefs, customary courts, customary law, tribal property, and constitutional amendments.