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President of the Republic of Botswana
Flag of the President of Botswana.svg
Presidential flag
Duma Boko, 2019 elections (cropped).png
Incumbent
Duma Boko

since 1 November 2024
Style Mr President
His Excellency
Residence State House
Seat Gaborone
Appointer Parliament of Botswana
Term length 5 years, renewable once
Constituting instrument Constitution of Botswana
Inaugural holder Seretse Khama
Formation 30 September 1966
Deputy Vice-President of Botswana
Salary P 1,075,056


The President of Botswana is a very important leader. They are the head of state and the head of government for the country of Botswana. This means they lead the country and its government. The President is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, which are the country's military. All these roles are set out in the Constitution.

The first leader was Seretse Khama. He was Prime Minister from 1965 to 1966. Then he became the first President of Botswana. Since 1966, Botswana has only had presidents, no prime ministers.

How Long Does a President Serve?

A President in Botswana serves for a five-year term. This term runs at the same time as the National Assembly, which is like the country's parliament.

Before 1997, a president could be re-elected many times. But in 1997, under President Quett Masire, a new rule was made. Now, a president can only serve for a total of 10 years. This means they can have two full five-year terms.

The first president to follow this new rule was Festus Mogae. He had to leave office in 2008 after serving his two terms. After leaving office, every president gets a pension.

How is the President Chosen?

The President of Botswana is chosen by the members of the National Assembly. This happens after a general election where people vote for their representatives.

When people run for the National Assembly, they must say who they want to be president. The person who gets the most support from the elected members of the National Assembly automatically becomes president.

If no one gets a clear majority of support, the National Assembly votes for the president. They do this before choosing other special members. If a president is not chosen after three votes, or if the Speaker of the Assembly thinks no one has enough support, new elections are held.

Usually, the president is the leader of the political party that wins the most seats. Botswana has often had one party win most of the seats since it became independent.

Past Presidents of Botswana (1966–Present)

Here are the people who have served as President of Botswana since 1966.

Political parties

     Botswana Democratic Party (BDP)      Botswana National Front (BNF)

Symbols

Died in office

No. Portrait Name
(Birth–Death)
Elected Term of office Political party
(Coalition)
Took office Left office Time in office
1 Seretse Khama during Independence Talks 3x4 portrait.png Seretse Khama
(1921–1980)
1965
1969
1974
1979
30 September 1966 13 July 1980 13 years, 287 days BDP
2 Masire 1980 3x4 portrait.jpg Quett Masire
(1925–2017)
1984
1989
1994
18 July 1980 31 March 1998 17 years, 256 days BDP
3 Festus Mogae 2009-06-23.jpg Festus Mogae
(born 1939)
1999
2004
1 April 1998 1 April 2008 10 years BDP
4 Ian Khama (2014) (cropped) (cropped).jpg Ian Khama
(born 1953)
2009
2014
1 April 2008 1 April 2018 10 years BDP
5 Mokgweetsi Masisi May 2023.jpg Mokgweetsi Masisi
(born 1961)
2019 1 April 2018 1 November 2024 6 years, 214 days BDP
6 Duma Boko, 2019 elections (cropped).png Duma Boko
(born 1969)
2024 1 November 2024 Incumbent 226 days BNF
(UDC)

Timeline of Presidents

Duma Boko Mokgweetsi Masisi Ian Khama Festus Mogae Quett Masire Seretse Khama

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Presidente de Botsuana para niños

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