An expert team from the Commonwealth deployed to observe the 2024 Botswana elections, has stated in its final report that the electoral process was transparent.
Released on 30 September 2025, the Commonwealth Expert Team’s (CET) final report, on one of the most contested elections in the country’s history, found that polling officers conducted the process in accordance with the Electoral Act.
In spite of long queues and harsh weather conditions, the report commended voters, polling staff, citizen observers, and all other electoral stakeholders for their patience and commitment throughout the process.
However, the report noted a significant underrepresentation of women candidates across all political parties, and a lack of access to the media for smaller political parties, resulting in an uneven playing field for poll-related campaigns.
The report also noted that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of Botswana faced challenges stemming from inadequate preparation, including insufficient voter education, voter registration delays, and ballot paper shortages for early voters, both within Botswana and across the diaspora.
The final report recommended further action on standardised electoral practices to ensure consistency, transparency and efficiency. It also encouraged the IEC, political parties, civil society organisations, and other electoral stakeholders to engage in an inclusive post-election dialogue to resolve trust-based issues and to strengthen the electoral process.
The report further called on the government and other national and international stakeholders to financially support civil society and the media to ensure their greater participation and engagement in the process.
In their report, the Commonwealth Expert Group, led by Kenyan politician and former Senator, Gideon Moi, stated:
“The Botswana general elections of 2024 highlighted both strengths and challenges within the nation’s electoral management framework. While Botswana continues to demonstrate its democratic principles, the need for transparency, fairness and standardised electoral practices remains urgent.”
Approved by all members of the expert team, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the entire electoral process – before, during and after the elections.
It has been shared with the government of Botswana, political parties, the Independent Electoral Commission, and all other relevant stakeholders.
Media contact
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Charmaine Wright Head of Media Relations, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- +44 20 7747 6242 | E-mail
