Umbrella for Democratic Change

Umbrella for Democratic Change
AbbreviationUDC
PresidentDuma Boko
Vice-presidentNdaba Gaolathe
FounderDuma Boko
FoundedNovember 2012
HeadquartersGaborone
IdeologySocial democracy[1][2][3][4]
Left-wing populism[5]
Factions:
Christian left
Social liberalism
Democratic socialism
Pan-Africanism
Political positionCentre-left to left-wing
Colours  Navy blue
  Orange (in 2014)
SloganDecent Jobs
Decent Lives
Coalition PartnersAP
BNF
BPP
National Assembly
36 / 61
Pan-African Parliament
0 / 5

The Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) is a centre-left[6][7][8] to left-wing[9] alliance of political parties in Botswana. Since the 2024 Botswana general election, the UDC has been the governing alliance of political parties. [10]

The UDC has campaigned on a progressive platform, advocating for a welfare state, wealth redistribution, renewable energy and democratic reforms, particularly in the electoral and judicial spheres.[11][12] Since it was created as a political coalition with the primary aim of representing an alternative to the Botswana Democratic Party government, it has remained an ideologically pluralistic formation, though most of its member parties (both past and present) are positioned on the left-wing or centre-left of the political spectrum and is generally considered a social democratic alliance. Some analysts have labeled the alliance and its discourse as "left-wing populism" or "democratic socialist." UDC members, including UDC Leader Duma Boko himself, have expressed opposition to both capitalism and socialism, advocating instead for a "Third Way."[13]

Since its founding, the UDC's core voter base has varied in composition with shifts in the voting behavior of anti-BDP voters. However, the coalition has generally maintained strong support among the urban population—especially in the Gaborone metropolitan area—as well as among youth and the educated middle class.[14] In the 2019 election, through its alliance with Ian Khama, heir to the BaNgwato throne, the UDC gained substantial support from voters in the Central District, a stronghold of the tribe. Much of this support was retained in the 2024 election.

  1. ^ Gaofise, Lorato (16 July 2019). "UDC VOWS TO REDIRECT COUNTRY WEALTH". DailyNews. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  2. ^ "Political analysts dismiss UDC?". The Botswana Gazette. 14 February 2019. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  3. ^ Gabathuse, Ryder (19 February 2021). "Will the UDC ever take over government?". Mmegi. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  4. ^ "Privatising Gaborone bus rank bitterly divides BNF and BMD". Guardian Sun. 27 September 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  5. ^ Ntshingane, Bakang (16 August 2019). "Is populism surging into Botswana politics?". Mmegi. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  6. ^ "Botswana". Africa Elects. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  7. ^ Gabathuse, Ryder (30 October 2020). "A frustrating moment for the royal blue movement". Mmegi Online. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  8. ^ "Privatising Gaborone bus rank bitterly divides BNF and BMD". Guardian Sun. 27 September 2013. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  9. ^ "Botswana election: A baptism of fire for democracy". DW. 21 October 2019.
  10. ^ Mawarire, Teldah (23 October 2014). "We're on the government's hit list – Botswana opposition leader". Mail and Guardian. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  11. ^ "Duma Boko, el abogado de derechos humanos convertido en el nuevo presidente de Botsuana". infobae (in European Spanish). 1 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  12. ^ "Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Manifesto Highlights". Botswana Gazette. 25 October 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  13. ^ Mmegi Online (8 February 2016). Duma Boko's Political Ideology. Retrieved 2 November 2024 – via YouTube.
  14. ^ Chutel, Lynsey (25 October 2024). "Botswana Election Won by President, Despite Rift with Predecessor". The New York Times.