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Hebert Zharare Political Editor
MDC-T’s demand that Treasury releases US$3 million to be shared between it and Zanu-PF shows that the opposition is insensitive to the prevailing economic situation, ruling party spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo has said.
Cde Gumbo was responding to MDC-T’s claims that Government was deliberately withholding US$3 million the parties should receive under the Zimbabwe Political Parties (Finance) Act. Under the Act, Government sets aside money to finance all political parties that got at least 5percent of the vote in the preceding election, which is to be shared proportionally according to parliamentary representation.
Zanu-PF is due to get two-thirds of the funding with the rest going to MDC-T, the two parties with significant representation in Parliament. The Act also criminalises foreign finding of political parties.
Cde Gumbo said: “Their claim that Treasury is deliberately not giving them money is immaterial.
“The Minister of Finance and Economic Development (Patrick) Chinamasa has a lot of challenges. He needs money to pay Government workers and to buy medical drugs.
“We did not receive money for the last two quarters. We are also wallowing in poverty. MDC-T should wait in the queue for their turn to come. I do not think the Minister of Finance and Economic Development will entertain their claim.”
However, MDC-T spokesperson Mr Douglas Mwonzora insisted the party needed the money to pay its workers who had gone for several months without pay.
“We know it is possible to pay civil servants on time as well as pay them an increment and also honour the obligations to political parties. The MDC has workers who also need to earn salaries . . . so we need that money,” said Mr Mwonzora.
The financially hamstrung MDC-T has reportedly been ditched by its traditional donors and Mr Tsvangirai has been making passionate pleas to members to donate money to the party monthly.
Before elections last year, parties were entitled to split US$2,5 million but Treasury only availed US$1 million that was shared among the major formations.
Online Reporter