Bechuanaland general election, 1965
Encyclopedia
General elections were held in the Bechuanaland Protectorate on 1 March 1965, the country's first election with universal suffrage
. Voter turnout was 74.55% of the 188,950 registered voters. Following the elections, which resulted in a landslide victory for the Bechuanaland Democratic Party
, the country became independent as Botswana
on 30 September 1966.
Universal suffrage
Universal suffrage consists of the extension of the right to vote to adult citizens as a whole, though it may also mean extending said right to minors and non-citizens...
. Voter turnout was 74.55% of the 188,950 registered voters. Following the elections, which resulted in a landslide victory for the Bechuanaland Democratic Party
Botswana Democratic Party
The Botswana Democratic Party is the governing conservative party in Botswana. Its chairman is Daniel Kwelagobe.BDP was shaped by Sir Seretse Khama, who is celebrated for nurturing the economic and political success of Botswana. The party's base is in the traditional Setswana communities, and it...
, the country became independent as Botswana
Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
on 30 September 1966.
Results
| Party | Votes | % | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bechuanaland Democratic Party Botswana Democratic Party The Botswana Democratic Party is the governing conservative party in Botswana. Its chairman is Daniel Kwelagobe.BDP was shaped by Sir Seretse Khama, who is celebrated for nurturing the economic and political success of Botswana. The party's base is in the traditional Setswana communities, and it... |
113,167 | 80.4 | 28 |
| Bechuanaland People's Party Botswana People's Party The Botswana People’s Party is a progressive political party in Botswana, led by Bernard Balikani. BPP is the first political movement in Botswana having being formed in 1960. At the last general election, the party won no seats.-History:... |
19,964 | 14.2 | 3 |
| Bechuanaland Independence Party Botswana Independence Party The Botswana Independence Party was a political party in Botswana that existed from 1964 to 1994.The BIP was founded in 1964 by former members of the Botswana People's Party and was led by Motsamai Mpho.... |
6,491 | 4.6 | 0 |
| Independents | 789 | 0.6 | 0 |
| Bechuanaland People's Party Number 1 | 377 | 0.3 | 0 |
| Total | 140,788 | 100 | 31 |
| Source: Nohlen et al | |||