Whither UDC � A contribution to the debate on the current state of the UDC (Part 2)

UDC members PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
UDC members PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The emergence of a new party, Alliance of Progressives(AP) poses interesting questions for the future of Botswana’s politics in general and opposition politics in particular.

There are those like the Sunday Standard columnist Spencer Mogapi who argue that the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) has exhausted its progressive potential and even urged Ndaba Gaolathe to form a party. Emmanuel Macron of France who on the basis of the experience built a party within a year and proceeded to win a landslide electoral victory. In our view such analysis is seriously flawed and simplistic. It fails to take into account France’s much longer and democratic political tradition of over two centuries which implies a much more politically conscious electorate.

In the second place it ignores the particular conditions which gave rise to the Macron phenomenon.

Editor's Comment
Bulela Ditswe entry fee could hamper broke talent

The fees have been doubled from the previous amounts and raise concerns about political participation accessibility and democratic representation principles.This significant fee increase prompts questions regarding its impact on grassroots democracy.On one hand, the fees act as a filter, ensuring only serious contenders enter the race, potentially reducing frivolous candidacies and generating crucial campaign funds. The BDP argues that aspiring...

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