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Botswana

Botswana: gender and elections

  • Botswana elections 2024
  • Botswana elections 2024

Botswana has a first-past-the-post electoral system, and no legislated quotas for women in politics. As a result women’s representation both in parliament and local government is among the lowest in SADC. 

Gender Links, in partnership with International IDEA, conducted a significant research and advocacy initiative in Botswana ahead of the 2024 elections. 

Women who participated in the WPP academies came together to make a submission on the need for constitutional reforms in Botswana. Although women made few numerical gains in the 2024 elections, the profiles of women candidates attest to personal growth and confidence gained.

Key facts

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11%

Female MPs (both houses) in 2024 

18%

Female LG councillors in 2024

23%

Female Cabinet Ministers appointed in 2024