1. Service description

 After varification of ballots is completed and all ballot boxes of a poling district/constituency have arrived, counting begins. Each ballot paper is unfolded to reveal the voter's mark identifying his/her candidate choice. The ballot is deposited into the resceptacle marked with the name of a party which the chosen candidate belongs. When the intention of the voter is clear, the vote is valid and will be counted. Some votes will be rejected if the intention of the voter is not clear.

2. For purposes of control and management of the process admission into counting centres to witness counting of votes is limited to persons mentioned under Section 69 (2) of the Electoral Act.

3. Admission of countung agents is by letter of appointment signed by the candidate contesting elections in the pollintg district/constituency. Admission of any person other than those mentioned in the law (section 69 (2)) remains the discretion of the Returning Officer. 

 (Click on the highlighted statement for valid and rejected votes). counting of the ballot papers 

As soon as constituencies have been delimited by the Delimitation Commission, the IEC divides each constituency into polling districts in consultation with and involvement of stakeholders comprising traditional leadership, local authorities, civil society and the general public.

The exercise is followed by idetification of polling stations within polling districts of each constituency.  The exercise is also carried out in collaboration with primary stakeholders to provide accessibility of polling areas to electorate.

The names of estabished polling district and identified polling stations are published in the Gazztte and such other manner as the IEC may consider appropriate.

The Commission may from time to time add to the number of polling stations established in any polling district or vary a situation within a polling district of any polling station established therein.

Polling stations outside the country are established at all Botswana Embassies and consular missions and at other such places the Commission may consider necessary.

 1. Service description

Political parties present their preferred candidates before the Returning Officer for registration to contest elections. The date of nomination of candidates and the hours within which candidates shall present their nomination papers to the Returning Officers shall be notified in the Writs of Election (Parliamentary Elections) and Election Instruments (Local Government Elections).

 2. How do I obtain service?

You must be a Motswana, 18 years and above and registered to vote. 

3.How do I apply for service?

Registration of candidates takes place at the constituency nomination centre for Parliamentary election or polling district nomination centre for the Council election. The prospective candidate and his/her proposer, seconder and seven (7) supporters must present themselves before a Returning Officer at a nomination centre with a completed nomination paper (Form O). The proposer, seconder and supporters must be registered for elections in the area in which the candidate seeks election.

4. Costs involved 

The Service Sum of P500 for the Parlimentary or P100 for the council elections must be paid before nomination. The candidate must produce proof of payment of deposit in the form of a reciept slip from a government revenue office or pay the required amount to the Returning Officer. 

5. Where Can I Get More Information

For more information, visit nomination or call on

toll free number 0800 600 710

Acceptance of Support.pdf

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