What regime change would mean for BDP, opposition

Under the umbrella: The UDC still hopes to take power in 2024 PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES
Under the umbrella: The UDC still hopes to take power in 2024 PIC: THALEFANG CHARLES

The recent unfolding events of South Africa’s state capture commission surrounding former President Jacob Zuma provokes deep-seated questions as usual about Botswana’s young but old democracy.

 The uncomfortable corner the ANC finds itself in reminds me of the same corner the BDP hovered over when its former Number 1 went ‘haywire’. These events evoke a sense of nostalgia for change in African politics, and for me as a politically homeless voter and a student of politics, the prospect of transformation is not just for the country, but also for political its parties.

My curiosity is stimulated primarily, by the ‘improbable’ (in the short term) but the not impossible eventuality of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) losing elections. What would it mean for the party that has not known nor constructively imagined life outside of State House Drive? What would it mean for the crop of opposition parties that have been throwing stumps from across the aisle their whole lives? I think the verdict has long been out about the health of the ruling party and its below par performances over the years. I view the BDP’s fate as self-inflicted. But in essence, I also view its unfortunate blunders as carefully constructed lessons and signs (from our ancestors perhaps) for the much-needed substantive introspection the country needs.

Editor's Comment
Inspect the voters' roll!

The recent disclosure by the IEC that 2,513 registrations have been turned down due to various irregularities should prompt all Batswana to meticulously review the voters' rolls and address concerns about rejected registrations.The disparities flagged by the IEC are troubling and emphasise the significance of rigorous voter registration processes.Out of the rejected registrations, 29 individuals were disqualified due to non-existent Omang...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up