Botswana’s long-anticipated constitutional reform process is officially back on the agenda, with Minister of State President Moeti Mohwasa confirming that a Constitutional Review Bill will be tabled during the July 2025 Parliamentary Session.
Speaking during a press briefing this week, Minister Mohwasa outlined the roadmap for the review process, signalling renewed commitment by President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s administration to deliver a modernised and inclusive constitution. The announcement marks a crucial next step following public consultations and initial groundwork carried out under the previous administration.
According to Mohwasa, a dedicated parliamentary committee will be established to evaluate and build upon the work previously done. “We want to ensure that this review is transparent, participatory, and rooted in the aspirations of Batswana,” he said. The committee is expected to include legal experts, civil society representatives, and Members of Parliament.
The revised constitution, once finalised, is slated for presentation to Parliament in November 2025. This timeline reflects the government’s commitment to a deliberate and inclusive process, while also aligning with legislative timelines ahead of the next general election.
Among the key areas expected to feature in the review are presidential term limits, separation of powers, judicial independence, and enhanced civil liberties. Many observers have also called for greater protections for women, youth, and minority groups within the constitution.
Public interest in constitutional reform has been steadily growing since 2022, when consultations on the matter first began. Mohwasa emphasised that the government is determined to ensure the voices of citizens are heard and reflected in the final draft.
If passed, the revised constitution would mark the most significant update to Botswana’s supreme law since independence in 1966. The process is seen as an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions and lay the foundation for a more inclusive and accountable governance framework.
As the July session approaches, political analysts and civil society organisations are expected to closely monitor developments. The review process, while ambitious, is also viewed as a moment for national unity and democratic renewal.
