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Political gamble - Survey confirms party donors want kickbacks
published: Thursday | May 10, 2007
Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator
A survey conducted by Market Research Services Limited has confirmed the view held by many Jamaicans that individuals and businesses, which provide financial support to political parties, do so with the hope of receiving political kickbacks.
The survey, done on behalf of the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ), found that 63 per cent of Jamaicans believe that individuals give financial assistance to parties because they want to obtain "favours" if the party wins the election, or to seek to influence the awarding of contracts.
With a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent, the survey examined the issue of political party financing. Fieldwork was conducted in the 14 parishes between February 13 and 16.
According to the findings of the study, a significant number of persons interviewed felt that financial assistance is given to the two major political parties by contributors to ensure some payback, whichever party wins.
The survey notes that almost everyone interviewed said businesses give to both political parties.
"They are equally convinced, too, that the motivation is to ensure that their bread is buttered on both sides," the study concluded, adding that close to 60 per cent of respondents argue that this is the normal practice of businesses.
In the main, it is felt that political parties in Jamaica obtain financing through legal, if sometimes controversial, sources.
Illegal sources
But approximately 30 per cent of persons interviewed said that political parties accept funding from illegal sources.
There is very strong support for public disclosure by political parties with regard to the sources of their funding, the amount offered, as well as how these funds are spent. This disclosure requirement also extends to gifts, which are received by the political parties.
And, a majority of those interviewed, 71 per cent, said the state should provide financial support to political parties. However, 16 per cent of respondents are strongly opposed to this approach.
Despite overwhelming support for state funding of political parties (52 per cent), those interviewed by Market Research Services Limited contend that the parties should still make an effort to raise funds on their own.
Taxpayers are strongly opposed to the notion of taxes to help finance the activities of political parties.
According to the findings of the survey, "72 per cent of all persons interviewed strongly disagree with this view that taxpayers should be made to pay more taxes to help finance" political parties. However, 10 per cent of the sample agreed with the idea.
Thirty-four per cent of Jamaicans surveyed proposed that a special body be established to manage the process of distribution of funding to political parties.
The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica ranked high on the list of organisations that members of the public felt was worthy of administering the process and ensure that there is fair play and equity. Other bodies that were considered include the Jamaica Council of Churches, Parliament and the EOJ.
Persons interviewed included unemployed professional, unemployed non-professional, employed senior executive, employed staff, self employed professional services, housewife, retired professional and retired non-professional, among other categories
published: Thursday | May 10, 2007
Edmond Campbell, News Coordinator
A survey conducted by Market Research Services Limited has confirmed the view held by many Jamaicans that individuals and businesses, which provide financial support to political parties, do so with the hope of receiving political kickbacks.
The survey, done on behalf of the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ), found that 63 per cent of Jamaicans believe that individuals give financial assistance to parties because they want to obtain "favours" if the party wins the election, or to seek to influence the awarding of contracts.
With a margin of error of plus or minus three per cent, the survey examined the issue of political party financing. Fieldwork was conducted in the 14 parishes between February 13 and 16.
According to the findings of the study, a significant number of persons interviewed felt that financial assistance is given to the two major political parties by contributors to ensure some payback, whichever party wins.
The survey notes that almost everyone interviewed said businesses give to both political parties.
"They are equally convinced, too, that the motivation is to ensure that their bread is buttered on both sides," the study concluded, adding that close to 60 per cent of respondents argue that this is the normal practice of businesses.
In the main, it is felt that political parties in Jamaica obtain financing through legal, if sometimes controversial, sources.
Illegal sources
But approximately 30 per cent of persons interviewed said that political parties accept funding from illegal sources.
There is very strong support for public disclosure by political parties with regard to the sources of their funding, the amount offered, as well as how these funds are spent. This disclosure requirement also extends to gifts, which are received by the political parties.
And, a majority of those interviewed, 71 per cent, said the state should provide financial support to political parties. However, 16 per cent of respondents are strongly opposed to this approach.
Despite overwhelming support for state funding of political parties (52 per cent), those interviewed by Market Research Services Limited contend that the parties should still make an effort to raise funds on their own.
Taxpayers are strongly opposed to the notion of taxes to help finance the activities of political parties.
According to the findings of the survey, "72 per cent of all persons interviewed strongly disagree with this view that taxpayers should be made to pay more taxes to help finance" political parties. However, 10 per cent of the sample agreed with the idea.
Thirty-four per cent of Jamaicans surveyed proposed that a special body be established to manage the process of distribution of funding to political parties.
The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica ranked high on the list of organisations that members of the public felt was worthy of administering the process and ensure that there is fair play and equity. Other bodies that were considered include the Jamaica Council of Churches, Parliament and the EOJ.
Persons interviewed included unemployed professional, unemployed non-professional, employed senior executive, employed staff, self employed professional services, housewife, retired professional and retired non-professional, among other categories