Politics & Government Guide in Botswana

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Botswana transitioned to a new government in late 2024 when the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) won a majority in parliamentary elections, ending the Botswana Democratic Party's long rule since independence. President Duma Boko now leads as both head of state and government in this stable parliamentary republic. The elections saw high voter turnout of 81% and marked a significant political shift.

Government Type

Parliamentary Republic

Legal System

Mixed system of Roman-Dutch law, customary law, and common law

Head of State

President Duma Gideon Boko(since 2024)

Head of Government

President Duma Gideon Boko(Umbrella for Democratic Change)since 2024

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Upper House:Ntlo ya Dikgosi

Lower House:National Assembly (69 seats)

Major Political Parties

Umbrella for Democratic Change(UDC)

Center-left

36 seats

Botswana Congress Party(BCP)

Center

15 seats

Botswana Democratic Party(BDP)

Center-right

4 seats

Botswana Patriotic Front(BPF)

Populist

5 seats

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 18 and above have full voting rights in national and local elections

Recent Developments

2024 general election resulted in UDC victory, ending BDP's dominance since 1966
Peaceful power transition after President Masisi conceded defeat on 1 November 2024
Duma Boko sworn in as new President following UDC's majority win in National Assembly

Voting Age18

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1966

Districts10