Botswana's political system combines central government with local administration and recognised traditional institutions. The President exercises executive authority, while Parliament represents constituencies, passes laws and approves public spending. Independent courts interpret and apply the Constitution and other laws. These institutions have different responsibilities, so a public matter may involve an elected representative, a government department, a local authority or a court depending on its subject. Elections use constituency-based voting and the first-past-the-post system. The Independent Electoral Commission registers eligible voters, conducts polling and announces results. Citizens aged 18 or older who meet the citizenship, residence, Omang and registration requirements can vote. Voters directly elect members of the National Assembly and local authorities, while the elected members of the National Assembly choose the President. This creates a link between election results, parliamentary representation and the formation of the executive government.
Politics in Botswana
Politics in Botswana is organised through a unitary constitutional republic with national institutions, local authorities and recognised traditional institutions. The President leads the executive, Parliament makes laws and approves the budget, and courts apply the Constitution and other laws. Elections determine representation in the National Assembly and local authorities, while elected members of the National Assembly choose the President indirectly.
Tip
Use the institution that matches the issue instead of treating all political matters as the responsibility of the President or Parliament. Separate national government, local authority, court and election questions, and do not assume that Botswana's President is elected directly by voters.