There are reports that the UDC is in the process of introducing a revised constitution. Reports indicate that under the new constitution, the position of VP will be scrapped off. The new constitution, according to reports, will also give the UDC president the powers to choose a VP of his choice. There are also indications that in the new constitution the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) will be allocated the position of secretary. In the main, it is reported that the altered constitution will not cater for a UDC congress. Some critics assume in their favour that if it is indeed true that the UDC intends to revise its constitution and enact some of the clauses (thought to be less democratic), the move will be an indication that there is deterioration of democracy in the coalition.
Secondly, it is assumed that if the amendments are accepted, they will solidify the position of those who argue that there is no democracy in the UDC, particularly the Botswana Congress Party (BCP). This week political analyst Adam Mfundisi emphasised that a constitution is a fundamental law of any organisation including political parties. He pointed out that for political parties, the constitutions provide for power relations within the organisation. “It must promote and consolidate intra-party and/or inner democracy. However, if allegations that the UDC intends to revise its constitution to include some clauses that highlight that democracy in the coalition is waning, the (UDC) leadership will be undermining democratic principles and values that must promote good governance including ethics, accountability and transparency,” he said.
