Evolution of Bostwana Parliament

The current Botswana Parliament is the 12th since attaining independence in 1966, whose tenure runs from 2019 to 2024. Batswana have voted for parliamentary representation every 5 years since the first elections in 1965, and on each tenure parliament has been established with members from different political parties.

In 1966, Bechunaland adopted a new Constitution which blended most of the traditional features of the British Westminster Parliamentary model with other features imported from elsewhere, notably an Executive Presidency.

The Constitution provided, further, that the First President would be the person who, immediately prior to the 30th September 1966, held the office of Prime Minister. On the 30th September 1966, Bechuanaland became an independent and sovereign state and was renamed the Republic of Botswana. Sir Seretse Khama, who was previously Prime Minister became President, and Mr Quett Masire, who had been Deputy Prime Minister became Vice President.

Parliament has since underwent several developments and changes since gaining independence, the infrastructure is more modernized compared to the latter. Members of Parliament have since increased in number among many others.

Members of the National Assembly form part of the legislative branch of Botswana’s National Government, accordingly assigned to debate and pass bills that champion national and social developments.