Botswana

National Assembly

Political system
Parliamentary system
Structure of parliament
Unicameral
IPU membership
Yes
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Election results

Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections.

Background

Election date(s)
30 Oct 2024
Date of dissolution of the outgoing legislature
No information available
Timing of election
Upon normal expiry
Expected date of next elections
31 Oct 2029
Number of seats at stake
61
Scope of elections
Full renewal

Candidates

Number of parties contesting the election
7
Total number of candidates
264
Number of male candidates
236
Number of female candidates
28
Percentage of women candidates
10.6%

Voter turnout

Registered voters
1,038,275
Voters
845,394
Voter turnout
81.4%

Results

About the election

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), the main opposition coalition led by Mr. Duma Boko, won a majority. It ousted President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), which had ruled the country for 58 years. The BDP reduced its share of seats from 38 (of the 57 seats at stake in 2019) to a mere 4 seats (out of 61 directly elected seats) in the 69-member Parliament (note 1). The BDP therefore became the smallest force in the new legislature. By contrast, the UDC more than doubled its share of seats, from 15 to 36. Another opposition party, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP, led by Mr. Dumelang Saleshando), came second, winning 15 seats. The Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) won five seats. It is a breakaway party of the BDP, and led by former President Serêtsê Khama Ian Khama.

The UDC’s victory automatically elected Mr. Boko as the new President (see note 2). On 1 November, Chief Justice Terence Rannowane swore Mr. Boko into office.

The 2024 elections followed a global downturn in demand for mined diamonds, which are vital for Botswana’s economy. They account for around 80% of its exports, a third of its tax revenues, and a quarter of its GDP, according to the International Monetary Fund. Key electoral issues in 2024 included the economy, unemployment, the minimum wage, and social services.

Note 1:
The new legislature will comprise 69 members (up from 65 previously) due to an increase in the number of directly elected members from 57 to 61 as of the 2024 elections. In addition, there are six “specially elected members” (members indirectly elected by the National Assembly), and two ex officio members (the President of the Republic and the Speaker, who may be appointed from outside the National Assembly).

Note 2:
In accordance with Article 32 (3) of the Constitution, the presidential candidate of the party that secures more than half the directly elected seats in the National Assembly is declared elected as President. There are currently 61 directly elected seats.

Number of parties winning seats
4
Percentage of parties winning seats
57.1%
Percentage of seats won by largest party or coalition
59.0%
Alternation of power after elections
Yes
Number of parties in government
1
Names of parties in government
Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC)

Parties or coalitions winning seats

Parties or coalitions winning seats
Political group Total
Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) 36
Botswana Congress Party (BCP) 15
Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) 5
Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) 4
Independents 1
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
58
Number of women elected
3
Percentage of women elected
4.9%
Women Directly Elected
3
Women Indirectly Elected
3
Other notes on the elections
Sources

New legislature

Total number of men after the election
63
Total number of women after the election
6
Percentage of women after the election
8.7%
First-term parliamentarians
No information available
Percentage of first-term parliamentarians
No information available
Date of the first session
07 Nov 2024

First Speaker of the new legislature

Personal details for the first Speaker of the new legislature
Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse (Male)
Date of birth: 24 Feb 1982
Date of election
07 Nov 2024

Historical data for IPU membership

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Historical data for IPU membership
Year IPU membership
2020-09
List of values for 2020-09
No
2019-04
List of values for 2019-04
No
2018-06
List of values for 2018-06
No