Botswana: Opposition Unite to Challenge Khama for Power

President Ian Khama of Botswana.
6 February 2017

Opposition parties, in what is often referred to as one of Africa's most stable democracies, have decided to form a coalition to challenge the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), according to Mmegi Online. The moves comes as parties prepare for the nation's 2019 poll.

Currently led by President Ian Khama, the BDP has been governing the nation since 1966, but has come under some criticism for slow economic growth and high levels of unemployment among the youth.

The coalition called the Umbrella for Democratic Change is a partnership between the Botswana National Front, Botswana Congress Party, Botswana Movement for Democracy and the Botswana People's Party.

The National Executive Committee will have sixteen members - four from each party, Mmegi reports.

AllAfrica publishes around 500 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.