While a functional democracy requires funding for parties and campaigns this funding, if not properly managed, can become a force that erodes democratic principles, says Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Mosotho Moepya.
“Regulation, therefore, is not about eliminating money from politics, but rather about managing this inherent tension to maximise its utility in enabling political activity while minimising its destructive potential through corruption and undue influence,” he said.
Speaking at the Symposium on Political Funding in South Africa held in Durban on Wednesday, Moepya said transparency is far more than a bureaucratic requirement as it serves as a powerful, multi-faceted mechanism for deterrence and empowerment.
“By requiring the disclosure of funding sources and detailing how funds are spent, the public is empowered to make informed decisions about candidates and parties,” he said.
He added that transparent financial data enhances public trust in government institutions and reduces the influence of wealthy interests in disproportionately shaping electoral outcomes, thereby strengthening the public's confidence that every vote carries equal weight.
“Equally vital is the principle of a level playing field. Regulatory tools such as limits on donations, restrictions on campaign spending and public funding mechanisms are specifically designed to ensure that electoral contests are fair and competitive.
“These provisions aim to provide genuine equality of opportunity for all participants, preventing financial disparities from becoming insurmountable barriers to political participation.”
READ | Electoral Commission hosts first symposium on political funding in SA
As the oversight body, the Electoral Commission's role, and indeed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders, is critical in ensuring that these regulations are not merely theoretical constructs on paper but are rigorously and impartially applied in practice.
“This requires forward-thinking legislative and enforcement mechanisms. Crucially, weak enforcement, a lack of independence, insufficient resources and poor interagency cooperation among oversight bodies often render even well-designed laws ineffective, fostering a culture of impunity,” he said.
Moepya explained that the objective is to move beyond mere compliance to achieve genuine effectiveness in political finance regulation.
“Effective governance in this domain requires an adaptive approach, continuously learning from implementation challenges, technological shifts and the ingenuity of those seeking to circumvent rules.
“The success of political funding legislation hinges on more than just the law itself. It demands robust enforcement, which in turn requires independent and well-resourced oversight bodies, free from political interference.
“Political parties must demonstrate a clear commitment to complying with regulations. Donors must embrace transparency,” he said.
The first-ever symposium on political funding, follows four years of implementing the Political Funding Act of 2018, which came into effect on 1 April 2021. – SAnews.gov.za
