Serema said while the BDP has adopted the principle of political party funding, it cannot be commenced because “politicians especially from the opposition are defaulting”. Speaking at a panel discussion on political party funding held at Masa Square Hotel on Thursday, he stated that most opposition parties have not developed proper accounting systems. “We acknowledge that democracy is costly. We therefore support funding of parties. But they must develop proper accounting systems. The debate around political funding has never addressed the issue of accounting,” he said. “Politicians especially the opposition are defaulting. They can’t account. Some of these opposition parties can go for a year without holding any meetings. What will happen now if they are given funding by government?”
He said parties might not take it kindly when regulations on accountability are imposed on them when the taxpayer funds them. “It is not the right time. Let us put our houses in order. At the BDP we believe in a comprehensive funding. BOCONGO should assist parties to reform. We know that funds have caused problems within opposition parties due to failure to account,” he added.
