LUSAKA, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Stakeholders in Zambia on Thursday expressed mixed feelings on plans by the government to introduce a bill meant to regulate political parties.
On Tuesday, Minister of Justice Given Lubinda announced that the ministry will launch consultations on the development of a Political Parties Bill which will regulate the operations of political parties.
The bill also intends to put in place measures on funding of political parties and regulation of campaign funds, among other issues.
The ruling Patriotic Front (PF) said the bill contains progressive issues which will enhance the development of political parties in the country.
Sunday Chanda, the ruling party's media director has since called on lawmakers to support the bill once it was tabled in parliament.
The main opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) also welcomed the bill saying it would introduce sanity to political parties' operations and help formation of parties with national representation.
Stephen Katuka, the party's secretary-general said the bill will result in the formation of political parties that have a solid foundation unlike the current situation where many parties only existed on paper.
"I am yet to thoroughly look at this Political Parties Bill but I am aware that it also proposes that we should be funded but up to now, they have not done so," he said.
The opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) said the introduction of the bill was welcome as it will help political parties to operate as institutions and also enhance accountability.
Raphael Nakchinda, the party's national secretary said funding basic activities of political parties would ensure that people with money stopped manipulating party structures for selfish ends.
The opposition Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) said the proposed bill was a constitutional requirement in line with the amended constitution.
Antonio Mwanza, the party's national secretary and spokesperson said the bill will make it mandatory for political parties to adhere to its provisions.
While acknowledging that some provisions in the bill were progressive, the opposition party expressed reservations on some clauses such as the composition of a board of political parties which wants representation from churches and civil society organizations.
The opposition party is also against the provision that the board should be reporting to the country's president who is also a politician.
