Hail President Boko!
Innocent Selatlhwa | Wednesday November 6, 2024 06:00
Boko, a seasoned leader with an impressive academic background, has been a prominent figure in Botswana's political landscape since his student activism days. He holds an LLB from the University of Botswana, an LLM from Harvard University, and a Diploma in Human Rights and Humanitarian Law from Lund. His extensive experience includes teaching constitutional law at the University of Botswana and leading various organisations such as the Law Society of Botswana and the Botswana Network of Ethics, Law, and HIV/AIDS. Boko's leadership journey began during his student days at the University of Botswana, where he served as the Student Representative Council president. His passion for community service and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality have earned him widespread respect and admiration.
As the leader of the UDC, Boko has successfully mobilised opposition parties, positioning them as a government-in-waiting since 2010 after he took over as the leader of the Botswana National Front (BNF). His legitimacy to the BNF throne was challenged by some but he stood firm and emerged victorious. After the UDC performed impressively during the 2014 General Election, Boko would not make it to the State House then and again in 2019 when matters worsened after he lost his parliamentary seat following a spirited campaign traversing Botswana seeking votes for his Members of Parliament (MPs).
His party would see itself losing to its then-affiliate in the coalition, the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), but continued to persevere. The UDC later gained the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) only to lose it again before the just-ended elections. Boko, who this time was not running for a parliamentary seat, was determined that he had to lead in removing the BDP, even if he had to do it working with other parties. He ordered his troops to fall back for the greater good on the side of the BPF, a show of support for a party that needed little to none in its obvious stronghold. Though they were accused of coming late to the campaign, the UDC went on a rampage and was rewarded with a sweet 36 constituencies. The BCP scaled to an impressive 15, the BPF fetched five, whilst the BDP had a seismic drop to a shattering four, the lowest record for all the parties, with independent candidate Edwin Dikoloti completing the class of 61. In the preface of their manifesto, Boko states that Botswana faces significant challenges, including a discredited judiciary, compromised oversight institutions, an ineffectual legislature, and a collapsing economy.
He submits that a near-six-decade-long rule has led to widespread disenchantment amongst the citizenry. Boko and the UDC offer a beacon of hope, presenting a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at revitalising the nation. The UDC's manifesto focuses on creating jobs, fostering economic growth, and promoting meritocracy, accountability, and innovation. Boko's vision includes building an economy capable of sustaining average salaries of P10, 000 or more, achieving an annual growth rate of at least 10%, and creating 450, 000 to 500, 000 jobs within five years.
The UDC plans to invest in transformative infrastructure projects, develop export-focused megacompanies, and elevate the creative economy. Additionally, they aim to promote green jobs, transform agriculture and agro-processing, and support SMEs through innovative funding mechanisms. Boko's leadership promises a new era for Botswana, characterised by inclusive growth, quality lives, and a vibrant democracy.