Political Party Funding Debate Continues

Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday September 4, 2017 16:55

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.

He said private funding is important because it gives ordinary members a sense of ownership and voice within their parties, adding that public funding will erode internal democracy. However, UDC vice president Dumelang Saleshando said the need for political party funding could not be over emphasised. He stated that the lack of public funding for political parties over the years has created a vacuum. “That vacuum is filled by party donors and corporates who either believe in nurturing democracy, share your party’s political view or want the decision-makers to protect their interests,” said Saleshando.

He said this is dangerous to democracy because it corrupts politicians by creating a moral dilemma. Saleshando further pointed out at the disadvantages of private funding.

“Although it is important, it is also inadequate. But it is dangerous in that it introduces a sense of entitlement within party structures. Then people feel indebted to an individual who has carried the burdens of the party for some time.” He also said corporate funding leads to things like state capture. Saleshando said political parties should be funded from the taxpayer’s coffers. He said without funding, parties are weak, which weakens democracy.

He stated that the BDP has developed ‘allergy’ for party funding since independence. Meanwhile, Professor Mpho Molomo, political science lecturer at the University of Botswana said when political party funding is introduced, regulations guiding accountability should be put in place. He said the need for political party funding is long overdue. He said political parties are public entities, as such they must be strengthened to make a difference in a democracy. “We should be worried about the modalities, but the principle of funding should be adopted. Why do we entrust our democracy on outsiders?” he queried. Molomo called for the need to set up a democracy fund, which will distribute funds in an equitable manner. He said the fund must have a regulatory framework.