The Independent Patriots for Change has been challenged to account for its contribution to Namibia’s social development.
Swapo parliamentarian Salomon April questions what the opposition party has done to improve people’s lives with the public funding it receives.
“Since you call yourself the alternative government and other beautiful names, what have you done for the social development agenda to address the socioeconomic challenges facing our people, with the money you receive, so you meet the government halfway?” April asks.
Responding to the question on Wednesday, official opposition leader Imms Nashinge said funding allocated to political parties represented in the National Assembly is intended to support their participation in parliamentary democracy, rather than directly finance development projects.
“If we do anything outside the scope we will be in trouble with ECN,” he said.
Nashinge added that the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) provides clear guidance on how the funds should be used.
Money from the State Revenue Fund is allocated to political parties proportionally according to the number of seats they hold in the National Assembly.
Under the Electoral Act 5 of 2014, political parties receiving public funding are required to maintain proper financial records and submit annual audited financial statements to the ECN to promote accountability and transparency.
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