President Duma Boko and his government must now hit the ground running to deliver on their promises and meet the high expectations of Batswana. The UDC has pledged to foster a deliberative democracy, where open dialogue and continuous conversations are encouraged. This approach will allow different viewpoints to be heard and strengthen the ideas that shape our nation. The introduction of the long-awaited Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a crucial step in promoting transparency and accountability in government. Reforming the All Parties Conference (APC) is another significant promise. By ensuring regular meetings and establishing a code of conduct, the UDC aims to create a platform where all political parties can engage and advise each other. This will help foster a fair and competitive political environment, benefiting all Batswana.
The UDC has also committed to specifying general election dates, a move that will bring the much-needed clarity and stability to the country’s electoral process. Cooperation with other parties is essential for the UDC to govern effectively, especially considering that they secured only 37% of the popular vote. By reaching out to all Batswana and incorporating their ideas, the UDC could build a more inclusive and representative government.
President Boko and his team must prioritise the issues that matter most to Batswana; the economy, poverty, inequality, unemployment, health, and infrastructure. The UDC’s manifesto, which was developed through extensive consultation with various stakeholders, reflects the aspirations of the citizens. Now, it is time to turn these aspirations into reality. The UDC’s commitment to not spending time bashing the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is commendable. Instead, they should focus on addressing bread-and-butter issues that affect the lives of Batswana. By doing so, they can demonstrate that they are a government for all people, regardless of political affiliation. The UDC must also address the concerns raised about the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process is vital for maintaining public trust in our democracy. The UDC should work with the IEC to improve the electoral system and prevent the issues that marred previous elections.
As stated earlier, the UDC has made significant promises to the people of Botswana. It is now time for President Boko and his government to hit the ground running and deliver on these promises. The people of Botswana are watching and waiting for the UDC to fulfil its commitments and improve their lives. The success of the UDC government will be measured by its ability to turn promises into action and create a better future for all Batswana.
“The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present”.
- Niccolo Machiavelli
