[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.

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.

The coalition is currently led by Duma Boko from the BNF and plans to contest the 2019 general election jointly, standing a single opposition candidate in each constituency against the ruling Botswana Democratic Party.