Botswana general election be held in October 30
President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced that general election will be held in 30th of October, 2024
Botswana, Africa’s longest democracy, will hold its general election on October 30, President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced Tuesday. Masisi will seek a second and final term after his ruling party endorsed his candidacy over the weekend.
In a public address, Masisi said Botswana will continue with its long-standing principle of holding regular elections. Masisi’s ruling Botswana Democratic Party has been in power since independence from Britain in 1966.
“The constitution of the Republic of Botswana mandates that we, as a nation, hold general elections every five years,” Masisi said. “This is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental principle that underpins our democracy, a commitment we have honored, and we will continue to honor in the future.”
Masisi stated that October 30-31 will be a public holiday to ensure high voter turnout.
He noted that the deadline for presidential candidacy is September 28, and that the deadline for parliamentary and local council membership is October 4.
He also announced that the National Assembly will be dissolved on September 5, with the election process starting.
The candidate of the party that wins the majority in Botswana’s 65-seat National Assembly is elected president.
