Nomination of Candidates for Elections

Overview

Upon the calling of a National Assembly or Local Government elections, any person wishing to run as a candidate in the election, must be nominated by nine (9) supporters.

Who is eligible?

Candidates for National Assembly and Local Government elections must be:

Citizens of Botswana holding a valid National Identify Card (Omang),
Eighteen (18) years of age or above,
Valid voter registration card .

In addition, candidates for National Assembly must be able to read and write in English.

How do I get this service?

In order to be nominated for National Assembly and Local Government elections, potential candidates must complete the following steps:

After a Writ of Election (National Assembly) or Election Instrument (Local Government Election) stating the date and hours of nomination has been issued, prospective candidates should complete Form O – Nomination Paper, ensuring that it contains endorsements from at least nine supporters who are on the election roll for the electoral district for which the candidate wishes to seek election.
The candidate and his/her supporters should bring the completed Nomination Paper and supporting documents (listed below) to the Nomination Centre for their district. The location, date and hours within which candidates shall present their nomination papers will be included in the Writ of Election or the Election Instrument.
If any proposer, seconder or supporter is unable to sign their name, they affix their mark in place of signature and such mark is witnessed by a person who can sign his name; such witness in addition to their signature, writes their name clearly immediately under such signature.
The candidate pays a deposit:
1. to any Government Revenue Office prior to presenting his/her Nomination Paper; or
2. to the Returning Officer at the time of presenting the Nomination Papers.
If the deposit was made at a Government Revenue Office, the official receipt must be presented to the Returning Officer along with the Nomination Papers.
The Returning Officer will examine the Nomination Paper and supporting documents presented and will determine if they are valid. If they are deemed valid, the candidate will be considered nominated for the election.
If a candidate’s Nomination papers are ruled invalid, the candidate may submit a second Nomination Paper as long as it is submitted before the close of nominations.
A candidate may at any time before the close of nominations withdraw his candidature by giving written notice to the Returning Officer signed by himself/herself.