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{
    "id": 566536,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/566536/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 260,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Anami",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 2773,
        "legal_name": "Lisamula Silverse Anami",
        "slug": "lisamula-silverse-anami"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker for giving me this opportunity. Funding of political parties is very important. It is good that it should be open to all parties that serve the citizens of this country. Our Constitution alludes to equity in distribution of resources. I wish to support this amendment because it will give an opportunity to all citizens of this country to develop their political ambitions and policies. Freedom of expression and democracy in this country of diversity can best be expressed through political parties. As we continue to stabilise in this political arrangement, it is good that we support, especially small political parties much as we also help the big parties. We have one challenge and I am happy that one of the earliest speakers alluded to this. The issue of credibility is important. As we adopt these amendments, we underline the importance of credibility and even help political parties to build their own credibility as they serve citizens of this country. The issue of elected members running political parties is challenging. This is because it puts a burden on elected Members. If we do not provide funding for political parties, then we are creating a crisis where elected Members are discriminated against by way of being charged with the responsibility of funding their parties, especially where we do not have party leaders in the House, or in any elective positions. I know we have elected members of political parties, whether they are Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) or Members of the National Assembly, who are coerced by their party leaders to make provision for the running of parties. We need to get away from this and the best way to do that is by funding all parties. We need to have a threshold for this. If we agree that such parties should be represented at the county assemblies, the National Assembly, or the Senate that will be the threshold. It is very important for us to be consistent with the provisions of the Constitution on funding of all institutions that serve the citizenry. With those few remarks, I support this amendment."
}