Civil Rights Activist Brebner Changala Has Defended The Tonse Alliance’s Decision To Seek Financial Contributions From Members Of The Public, Describing The Initiative As A Legitimate And Democratic Way Of Financing Political Activities.
Mr Changala Says Fundraising Through Voluntary Contributions Promotes Inclusivity By Allowing Ordinary Citizens To Support Political Organizations They Believe In, Instead Of Relying On A Few Wealthy Individuals To Finance Political Parties And This Approach Reflects Genuine Grassroots Backing And Is Common Practice In Many Organizations, Including Clubs And Associations, Where Members Contribute Towards Operations.
He Further Argues That Criticism Of The Fundraising Initiative Is Misplaced, Noting That The Ruling Upnd Also Appealed For Financial Contributions From Its Supporters While It Was In Opposition And Records Of Such Appeals Remain Publicly Available, Making It Inconsistent For The Party To Condemn A Similar Initiative By The Tonse Alliance.
Mr Changala Has Since Criticized The Ruling Party Of Focusing More On Criticizing The Opposition Than Addressing National Governance Issues Saying It Is The Responsibility Of The Opposition To Provide Checks And Balances On The Government, Not The Other Way Around, Adding That Political Competition Should Remain Centered On Democratic Principles Rather Than Attacks On Legitimate Fundraising Efforts.