WHO WE ARE
- The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) was established under Section 65A of the Constitution of Botswana in 1997 following a National Referendum held earlier during the same year.
BRIEF HISTORY
- From 1965 to 1986 elections in Botswana were managed by the Permanent Secretary to the President. In total, the Permanent Secretary to the President presided over five (5) general elections in 1965, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984 and one (1) National Referendum of 1987.
- From 1987 to 1997, electoral management was the responsibility of the Supervisor of Elections. The office was established after a National Referendum held in 1987. During the same period, two (2) general elections were held in 1989 and 1994 respectively, and one (1) National Referendum in 1997.
- The 1997 National Referendum gave birth to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as it is now. To date, the IEC has managed six (6) general elections in 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024 respectively, and one (1) National Referendum in 2001.
- All the above elections were assessed positively by both local and international observers, who generally declared that the elections were free, fair, peaceful, transparent, credible and conducted in accordance with the national laws of the Republic of Botswana.
MANDATE OF THE IEC
- To conduct and supervise elections of the National Assembly and local authority and referendum
- Ensures that the national elections are conducted effectively, properly in a free and fair manner.
- Performs any other duties/functions as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament.
Vision
A world-class provider of credible elections for the enrichment of democracy.
Mission
IEC delivers electoral services in an impartial, transparent and innovative manner to promote citizen participation in electoral processes.
Values
- Transparency: Ensure all processes are accessible to stakeholders and open to public scrutiny.
- Credibility: Deliver quality service with integrity and honesty to engender confidence and trust of our stakeholders.
- Teamwork: Coordinated effort and collaboration across individuals and business units to achieve common goal and drive strategic success.
- Professionalism: To have skilled, agile, reliable, competent, self-confident, resilient and dedicated staff to deliver credible elections.
- Inclusivity: Embrace and support participation of all stakeholders in our processes, especially marginalised groups such as women, youths and PWDs.
- Impartiality: To be non-partisan and fair in delivery of our services.
- Botho: Treat all our stakeholders with humility, humaneness, courtesy and respect.