Press Statement by the Attorney General on the Steps following the Close of Polls on 16 October 2009

source: Republic of Botswana (23/10/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 26 of 2009
The Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President
“Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline with Delivery”

C6) 15/10/09: PRESS STATEMENT BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON THE STEPS FOLLOWING THE CLOSE OF POLLS ON 16 OCTOBER 2009

In recognition of the fact that our elections are conducted in accordance with the Constitution and our Electoral Law, I considered it appropriate, as Attorney General, to inform the nation on the various legal steps that will follow after the close of polling on 16 October 2009.

a) The Secretary of the IEC will inform the public of the results of the Parliamentary elections;

b) In accordance with the Constitution, when any of the parties who have nominated Presidential candidates obtains more than half of the total number of Parliamentary seats, the Chief Justice, who is the returning officer for Presidential Elections, will declare that candidate elected as President;

c) The President will be sworn in, in accordance with the Constitution, by the Chief Justice, on a date, time, and venue to be announced;

d) Upon receipt of the notification by the Secretary of the IEC of those elected, the Speaker of the National Assembly will invite the President and the 57 elected members to a special meeting of Parliament, for the sole purpose of electing the four specially elected Members of Parliament, in accordance with the Constitution;

e) Following the swearing in, the President shall issue a Proclamation summoning the first meeting of Parliament in accordance with the Constitution. The business of this meeting shall be for the sole purpose of:

• Swearing in all MPs;
• Electing a new speaker;
• Endorsement of the Vice President; and • Election of the Deputy Speaker.

It is my sincere hope that this information will contribute to a better understanding of the laws and procedures following a general election. PULA BAGAETSHO!