BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
THERE are perceptions that are hostile to the important roles of political parties in politics and democracy, according to the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP).
DAP’s Parliamentary Wing Leader Hon Jeremiah Manele, during their political party’s fundraising over the weekend at the Yacht Club, raised two anti-political opinions not as a form of discouragement, but rather to put them on notice that there are issues with political parties that they as a party need to be mindful and reminded of.
In briefing some perceptions that are hostile to the important roles of political parties in politics and democracy, party corruption was one of the issues DAP’s Parliamentary Wing Leader pointed on.
“There is popular discourse in the public space that parties are often involved in corrupt dealings by taking bribes and support from powerful individuals and companies without due declaration,” said Mr Manele.
“This is often seen as an impediment to the ability of political parties to independently implement their political party agendas which in the end, it is often the elites that are benefiting more than the rest.
“In a survey carried out by Transparency International, the public around the world perceive political parties as the institution mostly affected by corruption. This was published by Transparency International (TI) to mark the UN International Anti-Corruption Day sometimes during the past.”
Manele added that similar argument often put forward along the same line is political parties foster contention turning their participants into unthinking followers rather than informing citizens.
“There are people out there who see this important political platform (DAP) in a negative manner,” reminded Manele.
