Politics in Botswana

The Botswana democratic principles underpin its political system, which is similar to that of Britain. The political system is open, which factor has led to the country being stable.

The country has many political parties. But the Botswana Democratic Party has won all of the 10 consecutive uninterrupted elections held every five years since 1965.

The president of the country is nominated from the presidential candidate whose party wins most seats in the general elections.

In the last elections conducted in 2009, the BDP won a majority of seats - 49 seats out of 60 seats in total.

The Botswana national Front won 5 seats, followed by the joint bid of Botswana Congress Party and Botswana Alliance Movement with 5 seats and for the first time in the history of Botswana politics 1 independent seat.

Botswana Political Parties

Botswana has many political parties. However, there are three major political parties in Botswana; Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), Botswana Congress Party (BCP) and Botswana National Front(BNF).

In the early years after Botswana had gained independence, there was another formidable party called Botswana People's Party (BPP) - but it has since reduced in strength over the years.

The other parties in Botswana are; Botswana Alliance Movement (BAM), New Democratic Front (NDF), Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin Movement(MELS), Botswana Freedom Party (BFP) and Botswana Independence Party (BIP).

A new party has been formed post-2009 general elections called Botswana Movement for Democracy. BMD is a break-away group of the BDP, and it is fast gaining popularity in the country.

Peace and Harmony in Botswana

Peace and harmony are at the core of the country's stability, growth and success. It is these qualities that Batswana should nurture and cherish.

As a first time visitor, you should take heart because Botswana is ranked the most peaceful nation in Africa, a fact confirmed in the 2009 Global Peace Index.

Botswana national anthem

The Botswana national anthem is called 'Fatshe leno la rona' - this is our land.

This is a well-crafted anthem that promotes unity in the nation, encourages everyone's love for the country and proclaims peace.

Botswana flag

The national flag of Botswana adopted at independence - September 1966 is blue, black and white.

The blue colour stands for water, a much needed commodity in Botswana. The need for water is further emphasized by reflecting it in the the country's coat-of-arms. Further, the country's motto is 'Pula' meaning rain, which is an invocation for rain to fall.

The white and black bands on the flag stand for racial harmony. Read more...

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