GABORONE, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- Nomination of candidates for Botswana's office of president took place on Saturday, the southern African country's Independent Electoral Commission said, confirming that four nominees submitted their applications.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party was amongst the applicants who submitted their nomination alongside Duma Boko of the Umbrella for Democratic Change, Ndaba Gaolatlhe of Alliance for the Progressives and Biggie Butale of the newly formed Botswana Patriotic Front.

"President Masisi and other presidential nominees handed their respective nomination papers to the returning officer at the Gaborone High Court," said Osupile Maroba, the IEC public relations officer in a telephone interview.

Maroba said chief justice of Botswana, Terrence Rannowane confirmed the four candidates following their success applications.

According to Maroba, one of the four nominated candidates will assume the presidential reigns after the Oct. 23 vote provided their party has won the majority of 29 of the 57 constituencies to form a National Assembly.

Late last month, Masisi declared Oct. 23 as the Election Day.