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Alliance of political parties in Botswana

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is a centre-left^[6][7][8] to left-wing^[9]alliance of political parties in Botswana.

Since the Botswana general election, the UDC has been the governing alliance of political parties. ^[10]

The UDC has campaigned on a linear platform, advocating for a welfare state, wealth redistribution, renewable strength and democratic reforms, particularly in the electoral and judicial spheres.^[11][12] Since it was created as a political coalition with the primary aim of representing an alternative to the Botswana Democratic Party government, it has remained an ideologically pluralistic formation, though most of its member parties (both past and present) are positioned on the left-wing or centre-left of the political spectrum and is generally considered a social democratic alliance.

Some analysts have labeled the alliance and its discourse as "left-wing populism" or "democratic socialist." UDC members, including UDC Leader Duma Boko himself, have expressed opposition to both capitalism and socialism, advocating instead for a "Third Way."^[13]

Since its founding, the UDC's core voter base has varied in composition with shifts in the voting behavior of anti-BDP voters.

However, the coalition has generally maintained strong support among the urban population—especially in the Gaborone metropolitan area—as well as among youth and the educated middle class.^[14] In the election, through its alliance with Ian Khama, heir to the BaNgwato throne, the UDC gained substantial assist from voters in the Primary District, a stronghold of the tribe.

Much of this sustain was retained in the election.

History

The UDC was founded in November by members from various opposition parties, including the BPP and BMD. They rallied together in the run-up to the elections by the Botswana National Front (BNF), the Botswana Movement for Democracy and the Botswana People's Party with the aim of uniting the opposition in the elections.

Mr Molapisi highlighted the importance of safeguarding the electoral process, cautioning against potential election malpractices such as cheating and rigging that had plagued elections across Africa. For his part, Advocate Boko, promised a government that would prioritise societal interests and address the pressing issues faced by citizens. He underscored the need for formidable leadership with integrity to combat maladministration and ensure equitable distribution of resources and wealth. Advocate Boko proposed a minimum wage of P4aimed at improving the livelihoods of workers, particularly those in programs such as Ipelegeng.

In February , the Botswana Congress Party, which contested the elections independently, joined the coalition. The coalition is currently led by Duma Boko from the BNF and plans to challenge the general election jointly, standing a single opposition candidate in each constituency against the decree Botswana Democratic Party.^[15]

The organisation of the opposition parties presented an unprecedented challenge to the longtime-ruling BDP, but the BDP was victorious in elections held on 24 October Their vote give, which garnered 37 seats, allowed them to maintain a majority in the National Assembly, although it won fewer seats than it had in previous elections.^[16]

The UDC won 17 seats and the Botswana Congress Party won three seats.^[16]Ian Khama was easily reelected by the legislative body to another term as president.^{[citation needed]}

In October , the BMD was expelled from the coalition after it refused to forgo contesting constituencies that had originally been allocated to it.^[17][18]

After the Botswana general election, Duma Boko charged there were "massive electoral discrepancies" and said he wanted to challenge the election in court.

Official results show the BDP winning 38 of 57 constituencies.^[19]

At the election, held on 30 October , the UDC emerged as the majority party.^[20]

Members

Election results

National Assembly elections

See also

References