Assembly Polls To Cost ?41 Billion

The district level elections scheduled for next week is estimated to cost the tax payer about ?41.1billion. The Commission originally budgeted for ?47 billion but the money was scaled down to ?41.1 billion after the processing of nomination papers for district level elections. Out of the total estimates, ?17.9 billion has been allocated for printing of ballot papers and ?3 billion for other stationery requirements.

An amount of ?1.33 billion has been set aside for transportation, while allowances and training of electoral officials, including security personnel are estimated at ?14.1 billion. Mr. Kangah said a substantial amount of the budget has been released to the commission and arrangements are far advanced for the rest to be given to the Commission.

He disclosed that the revision and exhibition of the voters register cost the commission ?7.9 billion. Statistics available at the EC indicate that a total of 14,141 candidates made up of 13,160 males and 981 females filed their papers to contest the lections. However the number of candidates has reduced to 14,079 candidates owing to withdrawals, deaths and disqualifications. While 54 people have withdrawn their candidature, four contestants have died and four others have been disqualified.