For 58 years, opposition political parties in Botswana had persistently failed to take over government. Despite this prolonged struggle, various political parties never gave up, but instead they continuously pushed to strengthen democracy. However, whilst some party members remained resolute, others slowly lost hope. Numerous efforts to win elections fell short, partly due to financial constraints. In Botswana, election campaigns are notoriously costly, making it challenging for opposition parties to compete effectively. In 2010, during the Botswana National Front (BNF) Congress, a pivotal resolution was made. Duma Boko, then newly elected as the BNF president, was tasked with exploring ways for opposition parties to collaborate. Members believed uniting would create a stronger impact than opposing the ruling party individually. The late Gomolemo Motswaledi, then president of the Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), joined forces with Boko and their leadership to form the UDC.
Additionally, the Botswana People’s Party (BPP), under the leadership of Motlatsi Molapise, played a key role in solidifying the coalition. By 2013 and 2014, the UDC gained significant traction, and many believed it was on the verge of taking over the government. Although it fell short in those elections, the coalition secured numerous parliamentary seats, establishing itself as the main opposition party. However, challenges soon arose. The BMD split, leading to the formation of a new party--the Alliance for Progressives (AP)--which later spurned affiliation with the UDC. In the 2019 General Election, the UDC welcomed a new affiliate, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), which became the primary opposition party. Unfortunately, internal disagreements caused the BCP to withdraw from the coalition.
