Why the Battle Between BCP and UDC Will Define Botswana’s Future

The truth: The UDC proclaimed themselves as heroes of the republic, but let us imagine that politics was a game of chess and that what we have in governance is a stalemate. The reason for this analogy is the power play each former opposition party is subjected to. On the other hand, the UDC is expected to be the one to fail, the BCP is expected to be next in line, and the BDP is set to prove that opposition was never the solution to the country’s bad governance. So today, allow us to delve into the battle of manifestos, promises, and policy. We will first discuss the differences in manifestos between the UDC and the BCP, then we discuss the strategies proposed by both parties to maintain economic and fiscal stability, and lastly, we look at the popularity of each of these parties and how possible it is for the BCP to topple the current government.

Are There Any Differences in the UDC and BCP Manifestos?

To anyone that can read, it is clear as day that the BCP manifesto is almost identical to that of the UDC. The minute differences are that the BCP proposed 300,000 new jobs, while the UDC proposed 100,000 new jobs each year. The other difference is that an unemployment grant of P600 would be given to unemployed youth. However, the similarities are far too close to be coincidental. These include the P4000 minimum wage, the P1500 pension fund for old-age pensioners, and the creation of a green economy—both proposing the harnessing of the solar sphere of the economy.

However, when breaking down these manifestos, heed must be paid to the imperatives and the status quo. Already, the UDC has failed to provide for the promised student allowances and the increase in minimum wage. The health sector also hasn’t developed a proper plan to attend to the rising mortality rate, while the BCP promoted the idea of compulsory two-year health checks. Also, land administration, which hasn’t been paid much attention to, is still an inherent issue. However, seeing that the BCP itself promoted the idea of 50% land demand by 2029 clearly shows a limit in the mindset of change on the side of the UDC. Could it be that it’s no coincidence that the BCP, a former member party of the UDC, is the actual brainchild of these manifestos? The answer will be clear and inherent if Batswana choose the BCP next election time. However, it’s still validated food for thought.

The Economic and Fiscal Plan the Parties Push Forward

In terms of the country’s ailing economy, it might be the UDC in the upper hand. From the opening of mines, the trade conventions to tighten investor relations by the President, the Zambezi River project to allow for constant water provision, and the new solar system plan proposed by the Minister of Finance and Vice President Honourable Ndaba Gaolatlhe during the national budget speech—it is clear that the intention to grow the economy is there and promising.

However, what the opposition seems to have indifference with is the way these plans are promoted. The lack of transparency and quantification brings more questions to the proposed actions, seeing that the main problem that was inherent was the silence of the former government, which created a loophole for economic injustices to come into existence. Not only that, but also the financial muscle it would take to implement many of these initiatives.

The real question brought by the BCP is: how?
When the government of the day itself has stated that there is barely any money to maintain the regular function of the country and its day-to-day costs. Not so long ago, there were power outages due to the destruction of power generators in the Botswana Power Corporation’s plant. It looks as though the government is either only making promises or way in over their heads. The BCP’s questions are based on the practicality of these said endeavors.

Where Are the Batswana Placing Their Trust, Are We Losing Faith in Our Heroes?

There are factors that have to be indicated when discussing the issue of popularity between these two parties. Firstly, that the UDC and BCP had been one party for years—the idea of a coalition to topple the BDP was long in the works, and the supporters of each party have the same vision for the country. However, there are difficult questions to answer such as whether the UDC is primarily made of the BNF or the AP, and if that’s the case, which party weighs higher in the power scale of the coalition?

Also, if that’s the case, which one of the parties actually carries higher influence? The BCP as a party on its own, seeing that it has been up and running without the support of any other minority parties? Also, looking at the status quo, the elections were won, the first 100 days have passed—what has the UDC actually done that is of value and that could point to a genuine effort at quality governance? It is safe to assume that any sane Motswana is questioning their affiliation or ties to the UDC, especially after so many promises are left untouched and those fulfilled are done at such a surface level. The answer lies in 2029.

Who Is the Right Man?

A simple answer to this question is: a man with solutions.
As of today, it is not clear whether the UDC is still the answer to that question. And for as long as these lines are unclear, we don’t know whether people will wake up in November 2029 to cast a vote next to the blue logo. The only solution for the UDC is for them to actually do as promised. Remember that our past government gave us unfulfilled promises too.