Molale proposes increased budget for IEC
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Wednesday March 15, 2017 16:32
“Meetings on the new electoral amendments have been held with political parties, the media and all City/Town/District Councils. Sensitisation in the 57 constituencies is continuing and so far 30 constituencies have been addressed.
“Furthermore, 490 polling districts will be addressed in the new financial year.
These engagements will continue until all corners of the country have been reached,” Minister for Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration, Eric Molale said Friday.
He said to ensure that the introduction of electronic voting is a success.
A project team comprising three officers has been assembled at the IEC headed by a coordinator to spearhead the planning, procurement, education as well as the actual elections using the EVM.
The Minister said the total recurrent budget estimate for the 2017/2018 financial year amounts to P60, 440,750 and the development budget is P124, 518,800.
“Madam chairperson, for this account I request for P9,308,000, representing an increase P4,796,750 or 106% from the 2016/2017 approved budget of P4,511,250,” he said.
Molale said the funds will be used for office and warehouse rentals as well as election materials.
Molale said the increase is as a result of the need to purchase registration books in preparation for the 2019 general elections.
“I request for P365,000 which is an increase of P230,000 or 170.35% over the 2016/2017 approved budget of P135,000.
“The funds will be used for minor works and maintenance of regional staff houses and office buildings,” he said.