UDC’s position on media :: Mmegi Online

There have recently been a number of claims that the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is intolerant of the media. Many such claims cite exchanges between President Duma Boko and the media at recent press conferences.

Whilst it is not UDC's policy to respond to every claim or allegation made against the party, on this matter, it is appropriate to put the record straight. More so, because the claims in our view misrepresented what the President said and expected of the media.

The UDC in the past and present manifestos has a clear position that the media is a critical part of development and democracy. The media must be free and independent. The UDC has advocated for the Freedom of Information Act and has since coming to power. In 2024, I made sure that the President meets and briefs the media on key issues of national interest regularly. Press conferences on diamond sales, negotiations, Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP), and others are the case in point.

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