Parliament yesterday unanimously passed the Political Parties Amendment Bill, which empowers the State to, on quarterly basis, provide funds to a political party represented in the National Assembly to cater for that political party’s day-to-day activities, including election expenses where appropriate.
Currently, the State only provides funds to political parties which amassed more than one tenth of the national vote and which are represented in the august House.
Once assented to by President Lazarus Chakwera, the bill would see even the smallest parties represented in Parliament accessing funds from the State, depending on the size of their representation.
All lawmakers who made contributions on the bill spoke in favour of the legislation.
Among them were Justice Minister Titus Mvalo, who said the bill would help concretise democracy in the country.
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United Democratic Front president Lilian Patel said the bill is important in strengthening parties that could be perceived to be small, as it allows them to have access to State funds.
Zomba Ntonya lawmaker Ned Poya, who brought the Private Member’s Bill to the august House, described yesterday “as a great day for democracy in Malawi”.
“This bill seeks to amend the Political Parties Act, No. 1 of 2018, by introducing a new section 22A.
“The intent behind this amendment is to introduce another scheme of political party funding, in addition to funds provided under Section 21(1).
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“The funds provided under the new section 22A are meant to fund day-to-day costs, including election expenses, of a political party represented in the National Assembly,” Poya said.
Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda expressed hope that the funds would not be abused by individuals who perceive themselves as owners of their respective parties.
