Government is still to disburse funds to political parties under the Political Parties (Finance) Act as it remains seized with availing basic commodities and cushioning citizens from the obtaining economic challenges.

This was said by Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana yesterday.

“Government wishes to advise the public that it is yet to disburse funds to political parties under the Political Parties (Finance) Act Chapter 2:11.

“Treasury is presently seized with the importation of basic goods and prioritising the cushioning of the general public from the current economic challenges. When the funds to finance political parties are available, they will concurrently be disbursed to all eligible political parties. This is expected to happen within the next few weeks,” said Mr Mangwana.

According to the Political Parties (Finance) Act, the State is obliged to provide funding to political parties that get at least 5 percent of the vote in a general election.

MDC-Alliance spokesperson Mr Daniel Molokele has indicated that the party has now turned to its leaders for financial support while treasurer-general Mr David Coltart and Mr Hwende, have been tasked with exploring other avenues for raising money for party activities.