PDM opens its books
The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) this week challenged government to take on political parties that fail to account for the government subsidies parties with parliamentary seats enjoy.
When he presented his party's financial statements yesterday PDM treasurer Nico Smit said it is wrong that political parties must be forced to adhere to the country's laws when they are found to have squandered taxpayer money.
For the 2015/16 financial year the finance ministry allocated N$116 million for political parties, money which is split according to the number of seats parties have in the National Assembly (NA).
The ruling party, Swapo, with 101 seats in parliament, received N$96 million while the PDM, the official opposition with six seats in parliament received N$5.7 million.
The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) and United Democratic Front (UDF), both with three seats, received N$2.8 million each. The All People's Party (APP), National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) and the Workers' Revolutionary Party (WRP), each with two seats in parliament, receive up to N$1.9 million per annum.
Parties such as the Republican Party (RP), South West Africa National Union (Swanu) and United People's Movement, with only one seat, receive N$958 000.
According to Smit, his party's annual budget stands at N$10 million, half of which they generate from party membership fees and generous donations from local donors.
He, however, added that the party receives no financial support from international donors and that all their donations are locally sourced.
“Of this budget we spend 40% on salaries for our staff members and the remainder we use for political obligations and activities.
“PDM has no business interests, but we have a number of properties across the country. These properties are however used as office space and not to generate an income,” he said.
When asked whether his party is contemplating to go into business to expand its financial revenue, Smit cautioned that it is not wise for a political party, especially not the ruling party, to go into business and compete with the private sector.
“But that is my personal opinion, we have a difference in opinion on this matter,” he said.
JEMIMA BEUKES
When he presented his party's financial statements yesterday PDM treasurer Nico Smit said it is wrong that political parties must be forced to adhere to the country's laws when they are found to have squandered taxpayer money.
For the 2015/16 financial year the finance ministry allocated N$116 million for political parties, money which is split according to the number of seats parties have in the National Assembly (NA).
The ruling party, Swapo, with 101 seats in parliament, received N$96 million while the PDM, the official opposition with six seats in parliament received N$5.7 million.
The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) and United Democratic Front (UDF), both with three seats, received N$2.8 million each. The All People's Party (APP), National Unity Democratic Organisation (Nudo) and the Workers' Revolutionary Party (WRP), each with two seats in parliament, receive up to N$1.9 million per annum.
Parties such as the Republican Party (RP), South West Africa National Union (Swanu) and United People's Movement, with only one seat, receive N$958 000.
According to Smit, his party's annual budget stands at N$10 million, half of which they generate from party membership fees and generous donations from local donors.
He, however, added that the party receives no financial support from international donors and that all their donations are locally sourced.
“Of this budget we spend 40% on salaries for our staff members and the remainder we use for political obligations and activities.
“PDM has no business interests, but we have a number of properties across the country. These properties are however used as office space and not to generate an income,” he said.
When asked whether his party is contemplating to go into business to expand its financial revenue, Smit cautioned that it is not wise for a political party, especially not the ruling party, to go into business and compete with the private sector.
“But that is my personal opinion, we have a difference in opinion on this matter,” he said.
JEMIMA BEUKES
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