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1997 Botswana electoral reform referendum

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A referendum on electoral reform was held in Botswana on 4 October 1997. The referendum had three separate proposals, and came following promises made by President Quett Masire after violent protests in 1995.[1] All three proposals were passed, although voter turnout was only around 17%.[2]

Question I

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The first question asked voters whether they approved of amending the constitution, and replace the post of Supervisor of Elections, introduced following the 1987 referendum, and replacing it with an independent electoral commission.[2]

Choice Votes %
For 45,122 73.16
Against 16,550 26.84
Invalid/blank votes 201
Total 61,873 100
Registered voters/turnout 370,173 16.71
Source: African Elections Database

Question II

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The second question asked voters whether they approved of amending the constitution to allow Botswanans living abroad to vote.[2]

Choice Votes %
For 43,555 70.42
Against 18,295 29.58
Invalid/blank votes 197
Total 62,047 100
Registered voters/turnout 370,173 16.76
Source: African Elections Database

Question III

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The third question asked voters whether they approved of amending the constitution to lower the voting age from 21 to 18.[2]

Choice Votes %
For 36,275 58.74
Against 25,475 41.26
Invalid/blank votes 198
Total 61,948 100
Registered voters/turnout 370,173 16.73
Source: African Elections Database

References

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