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Botswana: Government

Key Figures

Chief of State:
President Mokgweetse Eric Kaebetswe Masisi
Head of Government:
President Mokgweetse Eric Kaebetswe Masisi

Overview

Government Name:
Republic of Botswana
Constitution:
Adopted: 1966; The constitution is divided into 9 chapters covering areas ranging from individual rights to the delegation of executive powers.
Government Type:
Parliamentary Republic
Republic of Botswana Flag
Coat of Arms of Republic of Botswana

Index of Economic Freedom

Grades each country on a scale of 0 to 100, based on ten freedoms, with 100 representing the greatest amount of economic autonomy from government intervention. Source: Heritage Foundation (2023)

Country Risk Rating

A4
A somewhat shaky political and economic outlook and a relatively volatile business environment can affect corporate payment behavior. Corporate default probability is still acceptable on average. Source: Coface (2022)

Government Branches

Main Powers Election Process Election Cycle 1
Executive

The president appoints judges and cabinet and is in charge of executory tasks of the government.

The president is indirectly elected by the national assembly.

5 years

Judicial

The high court is the highest court of the land responsible for exercising judicial power.

The court of appeal and high court chief justices are appointed by the president. Other judges are appointed by the president upon the advice of the judicial service commission.

Mandatory retirement age of 70
Legislative

The house of chiefs serves as an advisory role on bills concerning cultural and social matters. The national assembly is in charge of policy-making.

The national assembly has 65 seats, with 58 members whoa are elected by plurality vote in single-member constituencies, 5 members nominated by the president and 2 ex-officio members.

5 years

Regional Trade Blocs
SADC

International Organization Participation [2]

Environmental Agreements [3]

Tax Information [2]

Tax Authority:
Botswana Unified Revenue Services
Tax Name:
VAT

Sources:

  1. ElectionGuide http://www.electionguide.org/
  2. EY, http://www.ey.com
  3. CIA World Factbook, https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/
  4. U.S. Bilateral Relations Fact Sheets http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/