05 Mar 2014

Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi has requested an estimate of P154 983 225 for Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to carry out the 2014 General Elections.

Debating the 2014/2015 budget estimates for the commission on Tuesday, March 4, Mr Masisi implored MPs to take keen interest in the impending general elections activities and accord them the widest publicity possible.

Under the recurrent budget, he requested for the approval of about P47m of which an estimate of P21m will be used under salaries and allowances account, while internal travelling and transport account will require about P5m to cater for transportation and travelling in preparation for elections.

Mr Masisi requested an estimate of P2m under external travelling and transport account for planned travelling at embassies and missions in preparation for the 2014 general elections.

He also requested for the sum of about P5m under General Expenses and Supplies Account and about P6m under departmental services account for the procurement base stock and other associated expenses necessary for preparations for the 2014 General Elections.

Under Maintenance and Running Expenses (Equipment); he requested for P950 000 for the purchase of audio-visual equipment and spare parts for Outdoor Broadcasting Van while for Maintenance and Running Expenses (Other) the Minister requested P200 000 to carry out minor works and maintenance of regional staff houses and office buildings respectively.

Under Training, Mr Masisi requested for an estimate of P942 000 representing a decrease of nearly 17 per cent or P152 000 over last’s approved estimate of P790 010.

He further resquested about P2m under Councils, Conferences and Exhibitions to cater for election staff training, workshops and Commissioners allowances.

The amount represent a reduction of P617 100 or 24 per cent of last year’s approved estimate of P2 600 010. Lastly he requested for P2 630 730 under Special Expenditure account to procure recording and broadcasting equipment for the Outside Broadcasting Van as well as replacement of vehicles for the Jwaneng and Gantsi outstations.

On Development Budget, Minister Masisi requested over P100m for 2014 General Elections. ENDS