State Funding for Political Parties: Zanu PF and CCC Benefit

By Cimba Shepherd Nhamo

In a move aimed at promoting democracy and supporting the growth of political parties, the Zimbabwean government has allocated ZI$70 million to political parties that met the 5% threshold in last year’s general elections. The funding, which is provided for under the Political Parties (Finance) Act, is intended to give a boost to larger parties and help them to continue their political activities.

Zanu PF, which received an overwhelming 68.4% of the vote in last year’s elections, will receive the largest share of the funding, with an allocation of ZI$47.8 million. The CCC, which received 31.5% of the vote, will receive ZI$22.1 million.

The CCC share will go to the faction led by Professor Welshman Ncube, whose secretary general, Senator Sengezo Tshabangu, has been recognized as the leader of the opposition in Parliament. This decision comes after rival factions led by Jameson Timba and Promise Mkwananzi had approached the government for a share of the funding.

The allocation of funding to political parties is a significant development in Zimbabwe’s political landscape, as it provides a vital source of support for parties to continue their activities. The funding can be used for a variety of purposes, including campaigning, party administration, and policy development.

The Political Parties (Finance) Act, which was promulgated by the government, provides for the allocation of funding to political parties that meet certain criteria. The Act stipulates that parties receiving over 5% of the vote in a general election are eligible for state funding. No other party met this threshold in last year’s elections.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi made the announcement in the Government Gazette, under General Notice 1377 of 2024. The funding is a significant investment in the country’s democracy and is expected to have a positive impact on the political landscape.

The Act also prohibits parties from receiving funding from foreign governments and organizations, which was previously used as a means of covertly influencing political outcomes. Instead, parties can now receive lawful funding through government grants, party card sales, fundraising activities, and member contributions. This provision is aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in political funding.