Bechuanaland general election, 1965

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General elections were held in the Bechuanaland Protectorate on 1 March 1965, the country's first election under universal suffrage.[1] The result was a landslide victory for the Bechuanaland Democratic Party,[2] with Seretse Khama becoming Prime Minister. Following the elections, the country became independent as Botswana on 30 September 1966, at which point Khama became President.[1] Voter turnout was 74.55% of the 188,950 registered voters.[3]

Campaign

The elections were contested by three main parties;[4] the Bechuanaland Democratic Party led by Khama, the Bechuanaland People's Party led by Philip Matante and the Bechuanaland Independence Party led by Motsamai Mpho. There was also a single independent candidate, G.E.N. Mannathoko, who ran in Tati West.[5] In the Lobatsi and Barolong constituency, there were two candidates from the Bechuanaland People's Party, one of which represented the Motsete branch.[5]

Despite acceptance that the BDP was likely to win easily, there was widespread interest in the elections. The BDP was seen as a moderate party with responsible leaders and realistic policies; in contrast the leaders of the other parties were perceived to be quarrelsome and overly ethnocentric.[1] Three BDP candidates were elected unopposed in Ghanzi, Kgalagadi and Kweneng West.[5]

Results

Party Votes % Seats
Bechuanaland Democratic Party113,16780.428
Bechuanaland People's Party19,96414.23
Bechuanaland Independence Party6,4914.60
Bechuanaland People's Party (Motsete Branch)3770.30
Independents7890.60
Total140,78810031
Registered voters/turnout188,95074.5
Source: Nohlen et al.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Botswana: The 1965 Pre-Independence General Election EISA
  2. Nohlen, D, Krennerich, M & Thibaut, B (1999) Elections in Africa: A data handbook, p113 ISBN 0-19-829645-2
  3. Botswana: 1965 National Assembly results EISA
  4. Gossett, CW, and Lotshwao, K., 2009, Report on the 1965 General Election and the 1966 Local Government Election, Botswana Notes & Records, Vol. 41, pp.47-63
  5. 1 2 3 Botswana Election Results Election Passport
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