By SEPKOLIN WALNE
Political parties that fail to submit or submit late annual returns face a hefty fine of K5,000, it was announced yesterday.
Registrar of Political Parties Emmanuel Pok revealed the new penalty during the presentation of K4.3 million to the all registered parties yesterday.
“ I appeal to all the executives of political parties to put more effort into building your political parties, Mr Pok said.
“Parties need every kina to run their administration. Because of your negligence, we have seen paneities being imposed on political parties.”
He added that only five out of the 16 political parties had submitted their annual returns on time.
“How can we build institutions if these behaviours within the party rank continue? We need a reset to set the course for this country for the next 50 years.
“It started with the political parties and their leaders 50 years ago. This generation of party officials and their leaders are bestowed with the responsibility to build these institutions to make them vibrant over the next 50 years.
Mr Pok stated that s.88 of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) clearly specified the date and details as to when financial returns are submitted to the registry.
“The Public Officer/General Secretary must file the returns of the previous year by 31st March of the new year,” Pok said.