President of Botswana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids President of the Republic of Botswana |
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Presidential flag
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| 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.
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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) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Took office | Left office | Time in office | |||||
| 1 |  |
Seretse Khama (1921–1980) |
1965 1969 1974 1979 |
30 September 1966 | 13 July 1980 | 13 years, 287 days | BDP |
| 2 |  |
Quett Masire (1925–2017) |
1984 1989 1994 |
18 July 1980 | 31 March 1998 | 17 years, 256 days | BDP |
| 3 |  |
Festus Mogae (born 1939) |
1999 2004 |
1 April 1998 | 1 April 2008 | 10 years | BDP |
| 4 | _(cropped)_(cropped).jpg) |
Ian Khama (born 1953) |
2009 2014 |
1 April 2008 | 1 April 2018 | 10 years | BDP |
| 5 |  |
Mokgweetsi Masisi (born 1961) |
2019 | 1 April 2018 | 1 November 2024 | 6 years, 214 days | BDP |
| 6 | .png) |
Duma Boko (born 1969) |
2024 | 1 November 2024 | Incumbent | 226 days | BNF (UDC) |
Timeline of Presidents
See also
In Spanish: Presidente de Botsuana para niños
- Politics of Botswana
- First Lady of Botswana
- List of commissioners of Bechuanaland
- List of heads of government of Botswana
- Vice-President of Botswana
