In 1997, under the second president, Quett Masire, term limits were imposed on the office for the first time.

[5][6] Since 1998, the president has been limited to a total of 10 years in office (equivalent to two full terms), whether successive or separated.

[6] The first president for whom the term limits applied was Festus Mogae, who was required to leave office for good in 2008.

All candidates for the National Assembly declare whom they endorse for president when they lodge their nomination papers, and the candidate who receives a majority of endorsements from the elected members of the National Assembly is automatically elected.

[12] Also, given the first-past-the-post system for the National Assembly, majority governments have been the rule in Botswana since independence.