Fri, 18 Aug 2017 10:33:50 +0000
By Mukosela Kasalwe
UNREGULATED sources of funds for political parties can pose a danger to Zambia’s growing democracy, says Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP) executive director, Chimfwembe Mweenge.
Mr Chimfwembe said there was a danger that some of the political parties could sell democracy to the highest bidder hence the need for a Political Party’s Bill.
He said FODEP welcomed the Political Party’s Bill as it would help political players to become not only more financially stable but also more independent.
He said it had been recognised the world over that unregulated finances for political parties posed a danger to democracy which could become for hire to the highest bidder hence the need to adopt the planned bill.
Mr Mweenge said Article 60 recognised political parties as institutions and that it was the right time for Zambia to have such a Bill.
“As FODEP we welcome the Political Party’s Bill as it has been recognised world over that unregulated finances for political parties can pose a danger to the growing democracy as it can become for hire to the highest bidder,” Mr Mweenge said.
Mr Mweenge called on political parties to study the bill and be in a position to raise their concerns either for or against it.
He expressed hope that the Bill would bring about accountability and make the public aware how funds were being utilised.
Mr Mweenge said the Bill needed to be scrutinised and debated to iron out any concerns by political stakeholders.
He said the other issue was coming up with an ideal composition of the members to sit on the board mainly from Home Affairs, Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants and the Ministry of Finance.
