Botswana, Africa's longest democracy, will hold general elections on October 30th 2024.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is standing for a second five-year term, said in a televised address that October 30th and 31st would be public holidays to allow people to "vote in large numbers".
"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.”
The president urged voters to turn out in large numbers after previous elections in 2019 experienced voter apathy and low turnout.
Out of a target of 80% set by the country’s electoral body, the Independent Electoral Commission registered only 63% of the eligible voters.
Parliament will be dissolved on September 5th, he said.
The names of the presidential candidates must be submitted by September 28th and the parliamentary and local council candidates by October 4th.
Botswana is a multi-party democracy that holds general elections every five years. The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has been in power since independence from Britain in 1966.
There are 61 National Assembly seats and 609 local council seats up for election. Any party that wins 31 seats in the National Assembly will win the election.
