About the election
Short description of the context and results of the election.
President Seretse Khama Ian Khama's Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) retained its majority, taking 37 of the 57 directly elected seats. Opposition forces won a total of 20 seats. The Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition (UDC, see note) won 17 seats, thereby becoming the largest ever opposition force in parliament. The remaining three seats went to the Botswana Congress Party of Mr. Dumelang Saleshando. In all, 32 new MPs entered parliament.
The BDP - which has ruled the country since independence in 1966 - ran on the government's record, citing better health care programmes and its programme to end poverty by 2016. The UDC campaigned for “a clean and effective government”. It promised to develop the economy and bring greater prosperity.
On 28 October, President Khama was sworn in for a third term, having taken office in 2008 (the constitution limits the presidential term of office to a maximum of ten years). The following day, the newly elected members were sworn in to the National Assembly. On 12 November, it elected Mr. Mokgweetsi Masisi as Vice President.
Note:
The Umbrella for Democratic Change coalition comprised the Botswana National Front (BNF, led by Mr. Duma Boko), the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD, led by Mr. Nehemiah Modubule) and the Botswana People's Party (BPP, led by Mr. Motlatsi Molapisi).