Fund political parties-Commission

Sharon Mathala | Monday November 28, 2022 06:00

The Commission recommends that: “Political party funding be introduced based on parliamentary seats won by parties in the immediate past general election at the rate of not less than P50,000 or such amount as may be determined by Parliament from time to time per Member of Parliament.” The recommendation comes after submissions in support of public funding of political parties were high.

Those advocating the initiative, according to the report, believe that the practice will enhance access to funding, curb corruption and sustain the country’s multi-party system's transparency. “The Commission recommends that political parties, which receive public funding should account for the use of such funds to the office of the Auditor -General following the general election,” reads the report.

According to the report a few people made a proposal to reduce the total number of parties to only two to make it cost effective for government to fund. “Views were also expressed that coalition parties would be recognised in the Constitution to prepare for the event when parliamentary alliances numbers surpass those of the ruling party. In this regards, it was suggested that Sections 32 and 92 of the Constitution should be reviewed to outline the path to be taken if that happened,” the report further reads.

Whilst the ruling party has in the past been somewhat opposed to political party funding, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) in reality has direct access to government resources. It also has a parasitic relationship with all businesses in the local economy and so the patronage network spreads far and wide for the benefit of the ruling party. For instance, just recently in a story published by Mmegi, the President’s nephew revealed startling information that he was instructed to pay a lump sum to his uncle’s party as a reward for a government tender.