Former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has expressed scepticism about the Umbrella for Democratic Change’s (UDC) ability to fulfil its campaign promises following its landslide victory in the recent elections.
The UDC’s triumph marks a historic shift in Botswana’s political landscape, ending the Botswana Democratic Party’s (BDP) 58-year rule.
The Impact of Ambitious Promises
In a recent statement, Masisi suggested that the UDC’s success was largely due to what he termed “rich promises” that may prove challenging to implement.
He highlighted the contrast between the opposition’s ambitious pledges and the BDP’s more conservative approach, stating,
If you put our manifesto against those of the two main opposition parties, the UDC and the Botswana Congress Party (BCP), they had something in common. They promised people lots of monies.
Masisi acknowledged the appeal of these promises to voters, particularly in light of economic challenges and high unemployment.
He noted,
Imagine when you have been unemployed and being told the economy is not performing well and you get such promises. Even on election day, you could see there was a lot of happiness.”
Economic Concerns Ahead
The former president warned of potential economic repercussions if the UDC attempts to fulfil all its pledges, cautioning that it could lead to inflation and damage Botswana’s economic credibility.
He emphasized the country’s reliance on diamond exports and the volatility of this market as key factors limiting fiscal flexibility.
“Prices would skyrocket; it will cause the economy to collapse,” he warned.
BDP’s Resilience Despite Defeat
Despite the BDP’s significant loss, Masisi expressed pride in the party’s performance, noting that they secured the second-highest number of votes nationwide.
He stated,
But I am not complaining about the system because we are a national party. We were all over the country; hence we believe that we can still regroup and regain power in 2029.
Looking Forward: A Transition of Leadership
As for his future, Masisi confirmed he would not seek another term and plans to step down as BDP president next year when his mandate concludes.
He remarked,
I never thought about quitting hastily… It would also look like I was a coward, but I am not one.
Masisi emphasized his commitment to engaging with BDP members during this transition period, including those who have been critical of him on social media.
A New Political Era
As Botswana enters a new political era under UDC leadership, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the new government can balance its ambitious promises with economic realities.
The transition marks a significant moment in Botswana’s democratic journey, with both supporters and skeptics closely watching how the UDC approaches governance.
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