The lower house of the parliament has passed amendments to the law on political parties, introducing state funding for such associations. The Minister of Justice, Muzaffar Ashuriyon, justified the need for the proposed government amendments to strengthen the multiparty system, enhance transparency in the activities of political parties, and improve the country's international status. The amendments suggest adding a new article to the law, making the state budget an additional source of funding for political parties.
The new article entails one-time financial support for parties that surpass the 5% electoral threshold in the upcoming parliamentary elections in March 2025. The funding amount is set at 7% of the calculation indicator for each received vote. Considering the current calculation indicator for the year (72 somoni), parties crossing the 5% barrier could receive approximately 5.04 somoni per vote.
In the previous elections in March 2020, the ruling People's Democratic Party garnered 50.4% of the votes, followed by the Party of Economic Reforms with 16.6%, the Agrarian Party with 16.5%, the Socialist Party and the Democratic Party each with 5.1%. The Communist Party (3.1%) and the Social-Democratic Party (0.32%) did not surpass the 5% threshold and thus did not secure parliamentary mandates.
The proposed amendments have sparked contrasting reactions within certain circles of society. Supporters argue that the financial assistance is necessary due to the complex financial situation of these parties, enabling them to implement their political, economic, social, and cultural programs. On the other hand, opponents of unnecessary budgetary expenses, especially given the country's challenging social conditions, urge a reduction in secondary expenditures, including funding various associations, including political parties.
Furthermore, the law allows political parties to receive funding from various sources such as membership fees, voluntary donations, proceeds from events in line with their statutes, income from publishing activities, and other lawful revenues. However, assistance from charitable and religious organizations, state-owned enterprises, foreign entities, and newly established commercial entities is prohibited.
The financing of political parties will undoubtedly pose an additional burden on the country's systematically deficit budget. This comes at a time when international financial institutions have committed to providing the country with gratuitous budgetary support of around 800 million somoni, with over 27% of revenues planned to come from grants and credits for state investment projects. Despite recommendations to reduce budgetary funding, approximately 7% of the budget is allocated for the completion of the Rogun Hydropower Plant.
In conclusion, the amendments to the law have evoked mixed reactions, underscoring the complexities surrounding state funding for political parties and the broader implications for the country's financial landscape and political dynamics.
