Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Botswana shall be divided into as many constituencies as there are Elected Members of the National Assembly and each of those constituencies shall return one Member to the National Assembly.
The boundaries of each constituency shall be such that the number of inhabitants thereof is as nearly equal to the population quota as is reasonably practicable. Provided that the number of inhabitants of a constituency may be greater or less than the population quota in order to take account of natural community of interest, means of communication, geographical features, density of population, and the boundaries of Tribal Territories and administrative districts.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 63, 65 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries e . Geographic size of district f . Communities of interest/cultural concerns g . Other
Comments: The boundaries of each constituency shall be such that the number of inhabitants thereof is as nearly equal to the population quota as is reasonably practicable. Provided that the number of inhabitants of a constituency may be greater or less than the population quota in order to take account of natural community of interest, means of communication, geographical features, density of population, and the boundaries of Tribal Territories and administrative districts.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 65 (2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
d . Boundary Commission
Comments: The Delimitation Commission submit a report to the President which shall state if any alteration is necessary to the boundaries of the constituencies. The President shall as soon as practicable after the submission of the report of the Delimitation Commission, by Proclamation published in the Gazette, declare the boundaries of the constituencies as delimited by the Commission.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 65: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
a . Head of State is the Head of Government d . Indirectly elected by legislature
Comments: The President, who is both the head of state and the head of government, is elected by every newly elected National Assembly and shall hold office for an
aggregate period not exceeding 10 years beginning from the date of his or her first assumption of office.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 30, 32, 34, 47: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: The President, who is both the head of state and the head of government, is elected by every newly elected National Assembly and shall hold office for an
aggregate period not exceeding 10 years beginning from the date of his or her first assumption of office.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 30, 32, 34, 47: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 30, 32, 34, 47: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: Parliament consists of the President and the National Assembly.
There is also an advisory body called "Ntlo ya Dikgosi" (House of Chiefs) which has no legislative powers but must be consulted with regard to certain bills.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 57, 85, 86: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
a . Plurality (FPTP)
Comments: The National Assembly has 63 seats; 57 members are directly elected by universal adult suffrage, and 4 members are indirectly elected by the National Assembly from a list of candidates submitted by the President. The President and the Attorney General are ex officio members of the Assembly and the Speaker may be elected from outside the House.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 58, 63: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Botswana: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014);
Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012): http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections
Comments: Referenda are governed by the Referendum Act of 1987 while rural local elections (District Councils) are governed by the Local Government (District Councils) Act (CHAPTER 40:01).
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012): http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Referendum Act of 1987.
Local Government (District Councils) Act.
Verified: 2014/10/24
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Botswana, art. 67 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: Election petitions are heard by the High Court. Petitions must be submitted within 30 days of the announcement of the result disputed. If petitions are withdrawn the costs devolve on the petitioner.
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 116: http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level c . Local level
Comments: The Commission shall be responsible for the conduct and supervision of elections of the Elected Members of the National Assembly and members of a local authority, and conduct of a referendum.
Source: Constitution of Botswana, art. 65A (12-a): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature d . A national government department
Comments: The budget is determined by Parliament. The Electoral Commission is funded by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
Source: EISA, Electoral Commissions Database: http://eisa.org.za/WEP/botiec.htm (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/27
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
e . Another organ within the national government g . Other
Comments: The national electoral management body fully administers its budget subject to audit by the Auditor General. The Auditor General does not give directions but controls that the budget is transparent.
Source: Constitution of Botswana, art. 65A, 114, 124: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/24
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The term of office of the Commission is the period of two successive terms of Parliament, namely 10 years. The Secretary shall vacate his/her post upon reaching 65 years of age, or such other age as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament.
Source: Constitution of Botswana, art. 65A (5): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/27
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Botswana, art. 65A (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/27
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: 7 members: There shall be an Independent Electoral Commission which shall consist of a Chairman who shall be a judge of the High Court appointed by the Judicial Service Commission, a legal practitioner appointed by the Judicial Service Commission and five other persons who are fit, proper and impartial, appointed by the Judicial Service Commission from a list of persons recommended by the All Party Conference.
Source: Constitution of Botswana, art. 65A (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/27
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: There shall be an Independent Electoral Commission which shall consist of a Chairman who shall be a judge of the High Court appointed by the Judicial Service Commission, a legal practitioner appointed by the Judicial Service Commission and five other persons who are fit, proper and impartial, appointed by the Judicial Service Commission from a list of persons recommended by the All Party Conference (a meeting of all registered political parties convened from time to time by the Minister).
Source: Constitution of Botswana, art. 65A (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/27
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
f . Judiciary g . Political parties
Comments: There shall be an Independent Electoral Commission which shall consist of a Chairman who shall be a judge of the High Court appointed by the Judicial Service Commission, a legal practitioner appointed by the Judicial Service Commission and five other persons who are fit, proper and impartial, appointed by the Judicial Service Commission from a list of persons recommended by the All Party Conference (a meeting of all registered political parties convened from time to time by the Minister).
Source: Constitution of Botswana, art. 65A (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/27
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body g . NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments: Although there is no clear constitutional mandate, the Independent Electoral Commission conducts voter and civic education activities.
Information dissemination is carried out through the following processes:
a. Kgotla meetings; b. Institutions and School visits; c. Stakeholder workshops; d. Radio and television programmes; e. Print publications ( Pamphlets, newsletters, posters,brochures).
Source: Republic of Botswana Official Website - Independent Electoral Commission, Voter education strategies: http://www.gov.bw/en/Ministries--Authorities/Ministries/Independent-Electoral-Commission-IEC/Tools--Services/Services--Forms/Voter-education-strategies/ (2014);
"Voter education and some electoral issues in Botswana: 2004 and 2014 compared", by Zibani Maundeni, professor of political science, University of Botswana: http://bit.ly/10v6o7f (2014);
EISA Technical Assessment Team Report: Botswana Parliamentary and Local Government Elections 16 October 2009, 20, [www] 14, [www] http://www.eisa.org.za/PDF/sa04eomr.pdf.
Verified: 2014/10/27
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Republic of Botswana Official Website - Independent Electoral Commission, Voter education strategies: http://www.gov.bw/en/Ministries--Authorities/Ministries/Independent-Electoral-Commission-IEC/Tools--Services/Services--Forms/Voter-education-strategies/ (2014);
"Voter education and some electoral issues in Botswana: 2004 and 2014 compared", by Zibani Maundeni, professor of political science, University of Botswana: http://bit.ly/10v6o7f (2014);
EISA Technical Assessment Team Report: Botswana Parliamentary and Local Government Elections 16 October 2009, 20, [www] 14, [www] http://www.eisa.org.za/PDF/sa04eomr.pdf.
Verified: 2014/10/27
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body h . Yes, conducted by NGOs/ Civic Organizations
Comments: Although there is no clear constitutional mandate, the Independent Electoral Commission conducts voter and civic education activities. Awareness activities are also implemented by certain civil society organisations such as Emang Basadi, the Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC).
Source: Republic of Botswana Official Website - Independent Electoral Commission, Voter education strategies: http://www.gov.bw/en/Ministries--Authorities/Ministries/Independent-Electoral-Commission-IEC/Tools--Services/Services--Forms/Voter-education-strategies/ (2014);
"Voter education and some electoral issues in Botswana: 2004 and 2014 compared", by Zibani Maundeni, professor of political science, University of Botswana: http://bit.ly/10v6o7f (2014);
EISA Technical Assessment Team Report: Botswana Parliamentary and Local Government Elections 16 October 2009, 20, [www] 14, [www] http://www.eisa.org.za/PDF/sa04eomr.pdf.
Verified: 2014/10/27
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 67 (1-a): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/27
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence e . Other
Comments: Eligible voters must be citizens of Botswana, at least 18 years old, and
have either resided in Botswana for a continuous period of at least 12 months
immediately preceding the date on which they apply for registration or
have been born in Botswana and are domiciled in Botswana on the date on which they apply for registration.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 67 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/27
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Independent Electoral Commission
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 65A (12): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014);
Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 7: http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/27
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Registration is voluntary and continuous.
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 7, 10: http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/27
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) b . Deposit requirement (specify amount) f . Other
Comments: The registration of political parties as a legal entity is governed by the Societies Act. In order to be registered parties need to have a constitution and apply to the Registrar of Societies. Every application for registration of a party shall be made in triplicate form, be signed by two office-bearers of the society, be sent or submitted to the Registrar, be accompanied by two copies of the constitution and rules, regulations or bye-laws of the society, and be accompanied by a prescribed fee which shall not be returnable whether or not the application is granted or refused.
Source: Societies Act, art. 6(1)-(4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/bostwana-societies-act-chapter-18-01 (2014);
Registration of Societies Regulations of 5th January, 1973 (as amended up to 2004), art. 3: http://www1.eis.gov.bw/EIS/Policies/Subsidiary%20Legislation/CAP%2018-01%20Societies%20Subsidiary%20Legislation.pdf (2014);
EISA, Party Registration in Botswana: http://www.content.eisa.org.za/old-page/botswana-party-registration (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship d . Residence f . Registration i . Minimum level of literacy
Comments: Eligible candidates for the National Assembly must be citizens of Botswana, at least 18 years old, registered in the electoral roll and able to speak and read English well enough to take an active part in the proceedings of the Assembly. In order to be registered in the electoral roll, they must have either resided in Botswana for a continuous period of at least 12 months immediately preceding the date on which they apply for registration or have been born in Botswana and are domiciled in Botswana on the date on which they apply for registration.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 61, 67 (1): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1)
Comments: Every candidate shall be nominated by a proposer, seconder and not
fewer than seven other persons as supporters. The names of such proposer,
seconder and supporters shall be on the election roll for the constituency for
which the candidate seeks election.
The President is indirectly elected by the National Assembly.
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 35: http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
a . No
Comments: Political finance is not regulated in Botswana and there is no public funding for political parties.
Source: EISA - Code of conduct and party finance in Botswana: http://www.content.eisa.org.za/old-page/botswana-code-conduct-and-party-finance (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: There is no public funding for political parties or candidates.
Source: EISA - Code of conduct and party finance in Botswana: http://www.content.eisa.org.za/old-page/botswana-code-conduct-and-party-finance (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: No law regulates political party funding or expenditure.
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012): http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
EISA - Code of conduct and party finance in Botswana: http://www.content.eisa.org.za/old-page/botswana-code-conduct-and-party-finance (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments: In the case of National Assembly elections, ballots are counted at counting centers at constituency headquarters.
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 69 (1): http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request
Comments: During the counting of votes, a candidate or his/her counting agent may require the returning officer to have the votes re-counted, but the returning officer may refuse to do so if he/she does not consider the request reasonable.
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 75: http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: Political finance is not regulated in Botswana and there is no direct or indirect public funding for political parties.
Source: EISA - Code of conduct and party finance in Botswana: http://www.content.eisa.org.za/old-page/botswana-code-conduct-and-party-finance (2014).
Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012): http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: Botswana Daily News - "Public media gears up for 2014 general elections": http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=12378 (2014);
GABZ FM - Presidential Debate 2014: http://www.gabzfm.com/gabz-fm-presidential-debate-2014 (2014);
GABZ FM Holds Nationwide Parliamnetary Debates: http://www.gabzfm.com/gabz-fm-holds-nationwide-parliamentary-debates (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
h . Not applicable
Comments: The matter is not regulated.
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012): http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There are no specific legal provisions regulating this matter. The electoral law rather sets a limit on the overall election expenses of each candidate that shall not exceed US$5490.
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 80, 81: http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A referendum is required in order to pass certain amendments to the Constitution.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 89 (4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A referendum is required in order to pass certain amendments to the Constitution. This referendum has to be approved by the majority of voters.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 89 (4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Botswana: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Botswana: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Botswana: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Botswana: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: In order to pass certain amendments to the Constitution a referendum must be conducted and approved by the majority of voters.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 89 (4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
a . Constitutional changes only
Comments: In order to pass a bill amending certain constitutional provisions, a referendum must be conducted and approved by the majority of voters.
Source: Constitution of Botswana art. 89 (4): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of Botswana: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-constitution-of-1966-with-amendments-up/view (2014).
Referendum Act, (Chapter 02:10): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/africa/BW/botswana-referendum-act-chapter-02-10/view (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections i . By tendered ballot
Comments:
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 31 (1), 62: http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments: All citizens qualified to exercise the franchise, who are registered to vote and abroad on election day are entitled to vote
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 9, 32 (1): http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations
Comments: The requirement for a polling station to be established abroad is a minimum of 50 residents from Botswana living in that area.
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 5 (3): http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Act of 1968 (as amended until 2012), art. 54 (d): http://www.iec.gov.bw/images/pdf/ElectoralAct.pdf (2014).
Verified: 2014/10/28
The data on this page is continuously updated.
Additional, but potentially outdated material is available here.
Forgot your password?
