Democratic National Alliance (DNA) Deputy Leader Chris Mortimer on Friday called on the government to once and for all enact laws to deal with campaign finance reform in the country.
In fact, he reminded that the Christie administration promised to tackle the issue on the campaign trail they have yet to actually do so.
As far as Mr. Mortimer sees things, campaign finance reform is what is needed to be the underpinning of a new Bahamas and that his party will pound the issue until it becomes a law.
“It needs to be a law that requires full disclosure from financial parties; requires all parties and candidates to disclose publicly all money raised, from whom it is raised and how it is spent.
“It should limit contributions to parties by individuals and groups. It should prevent illegal contributions to parties and have significant penalties for those who breach those laws,” he said.
According to Mr. Mortimer The Bahamas’ system of governance has been compromised, adding that the influence of money on the electoral process has made and will continue to put the interests of special interest groups before the needs of the Bahamian people.
This thorny issue again made headlines during debate on the Stem Cell Research and Therapy Bill.
Opposition members allege that Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard is the brain behind the controversial procedure, particularly following the Lyford Cay resident’s recent promise to bring experts in stem cell therapy and research to The Bahamas should the government pass legislation to govern the sector.
But, DNA Leader Branville McCartney said the ongoing argument is distracting the country from getting on with more important business.
“Whether it is right we have a Bill before this House of Assembly and the fact of the matter is, the purpose of that Bill has been overshadowed by Mr. Nygard,” he added. “It’s been overshadowed by politics.”
He said quite frankly The Bahamas should be in a position where the purpose of this bill as well as its pros and cons are discussed and not Mr. Nygard.
Mr. Nygard is reported to have admitted in an affidavit to supporting the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) election bid and is a staunch supporter of stem cell research and therapy.
The DNA said, “He who pays the piper calls the tune.
“When they talk about who financed the DNA, people have been looking at them all along,” Mr. Mortimer said. “They have sat around this table, the candidates and executives.
“If a foreigner who may have millions and billions is financing a party or supporter, we should know that.”
