PHILIPSBURG:--- The United Peoples Party (UPP), the National Alliance (NA) and the Democratic Party (DP) were informed by the Electoral Council last week that they have to return the excess monies they received from at least two donors for the 2014 Parliamentary Elections. The Electoral Council stated that in a press release last week Sunday that some political parties had to return monies. However, SMN News understands from a source within the council that the parties were officially informed and they have agreed to return the monies to the donors. The excess monies ranges from Naf.4,500 to Naf30,000.00. The council also intends to meet with the donors to officially inform them why they were getting back the extra monies and both the political parties and the donors would have provide proof to the Council that the excess monies were returned.
.Article 41 section 4 of the National Ordinance registration and finances of political parties “donations in excess of the maximum set in paragraphs 1, 2 or 3 shall not be accepted or shall be returned to the donor”.
The source said that the three parties received more than the allotted amount of Naf30,000.00 and also several candidates received more than individual candidates are allowed to accept. Last week the Council issued a press statement where they said they issued a fine to the USP for not submitting their financial statements to the Council. The USP did submit their files the following day but no decree was issued so that the party could actually pay the fine.
