TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL ZAMBIA LAUNCHES ‘CLEAN MONEY IN ELECTIONS’ PROJECT

TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL ZAMBIA LAUNCHES ‘CLEAN MONEY IN ELECTIONS’ PROJECT

Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) has unveiled the “Clean Money in Elections” project in Central Province, an initiative aimed at advocating for the regulation of political party campaign financing. The project seeks to establish a legal framework that promotes transparency, fairness, and accountability in the electoral process.

Speaking at the launch, TIZ Governance and Institutional Strengthening Manager Chimuka Nachibinga expressed concern over the rising costs of political campaigns, which he said undermine democracy by creating an uneven playing field, fostering grand corruption, and excluding marginalized groups, particularly women.

“Without clear regulations, political parties with access to vast resources are able to dominate the political landscape, leaving others with limited resources at a disadvantage. This is not just unfair; it is a direct threat to the integrity of our democratic processes,” Mr. Nachibinga explained.

He stressed the urgent need for campaign finance laws that would limit the amount of money political parties can spend during campaigns, thereby curbing excessive expenditures that often lead to corrupt practices. Mr. Nachibinga warned that unregulated spending could introduce “dirty money” from illicit sources into the political process, compromising governance and skewing it toward private interests over the public good.

Additionally, Mr. Nachibinga highlighted the potential benefits of introducing public financing for political campaigns. He argued that such a measure would not only level the playing field but also enhance women’s participation in politics, addressing the financial barriers that often prevent them from engaging fully.

“Public financing would not only level the playing field but also ensure that women, who are often under represented in the political sphere due to financial constraints, have a fair chance to participate,” he noted.

Mr. Nachibinga called on lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the general public to support the push for campaign finance reforms, emphasizing that the future of Zambia’s democracy depends on creating a level playing field driven by clean money.

He also acknowledged that government, through the Ministry of Justice, has provided TIZ with guidance on the steps needed to develop the proposed law.

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