1965 Bechuanaland general election

General elections were held in the Bechuanaland Protectorate on 1 March 1965, the country's first election under universal suffrage. The result was a landslide victory for the Bechuanaland Democratic Party, with Seretse Khama becoming Prime Minister. Following the elections, the country became independent as Botswana on 30 September 1966, at which point Khama became President.

1965 Bechuanaland general election

1 March 1965
31 of the 35 seats in the National Assembly 16 seats needed for a majority
Registered	175,042
Majority party Minority party   Leader Seretse Khama Philip Matante Party BDP BPP Leader's seat Serowe North Francistown/Tati East Seats won 28 3 Popular vote 113,167 19,964 Percentage 80.38% 14.18%
Results by constituency
Elected Prime Minister Seretse Khama BDP

Campaign

The elections were contested by three main parties; the Bechuanaland Democratic Party led by Khama, the Bechuanaland People's Party led by Philip Matante and the Bechuanaland Independence Party led by Motsamai Mpho. There was also a single independent candidate, G.E.N. Mannathoko, who ran in Tati West. In the Lobatsi and Barolong constituency, there were two candidates from the Bechuanaland People's Party, one of which represented the Motsete branch.

Despite acceptance that the BDP was likely to win easily, there was widespread interest in the elections. The BDP was seen as a moderate party with responsible leaders and realistic policies; in contrast the leaders of the other parties were perceived to be quarrelsome and overly ethnocentric. Three BDP candidates were elected unopposed in Ghanzi, Kgalagadi and Kweneng West.

Results

Party		Votes	%	Seats
	Bechuanaland Democratic Party	113,167	80.38	28
	Bechuanaland People's Party	19,964	14.18	3
	Bechuanaland Independence Party	6,491	4.61	0
	Bechuanaland People's Party (Motsete Branch)	377	0.27	0
	Independents	789	0.56	0
Indirectly-elected members				4
Total		140,788	100.00	35
Registered voters/turnout		175,042	–
Source: Nohlen et al.