General elections were held in the Bechuanaland Protectorate in 1961.
Background edit
A new constitution had been enacted in December 1960, which created both a Legislative Council and an advisory African Council.[1] The Legislative Council had just over 30 members; 10 colonial officials, 10 blacks, 10 whites, one Asian and some co-opted members.[1] The 10 black members were elected by the African Council, whilst the 10 whites and the Asian member were all directly elected.[1]
The African Council consisted of the eight heads of the Tswana chiefdoms and some elected members.[1]
Results edit
Seretse Khama received the most votes in the election for the black representatives.[2] The Council was inaugurated in June.[2]