Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-13 00:11:02
The budget proposal for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the 2024/2025 fiscal year has been a topic of discussion, with Minister of State Kabo Morwaeng requesting a significant amount of funding for the upcoming general elections. The Minister emphasized the constitutional duty of the IEC in overseeing the electoral process and highlighted the need for adequate resources to carry out this important task.
In his proposal, Minister Morwaeng requested P89.7 million for the recurrent budget and P373.8 million for the development budget, with a large portion of the development budget, approximately P287.5 million, allocated specifically for the general elections. This brings the total requested funding to P472.5 million, a substantial amount compared to the almost P500 million spent on the 2019 general elections.
One of the key allocations in the budget proposal is P65 million, which is earmarked for supplementary registration at all polling stations. This allocation accounts for approximately 17.4% of the budget and reflects the importance of ensuring that all eligible voters are able to participate in the electoral process. Additionally, P15.5 million, or 4.2% of the development budget, is proposed for the review of the electoral process, including the implementation of automation in line with the 2023 electoral amendment.
Minister Morwaeng highlighted the importance of updating the electoral management system, noting that the current system, which has been in use for over 30 years, has become obsolete and lacks sufficient capacity. He mentioned that a new elections management system is scheduled to be completed by the following month, signaling a commitment to modernizing and improving the electoral process in Botswana.
Addressing challenges such as voter apathy and limited resources, Minister Morwaeng stressed the need for stakeholder engagement to enhance citizen participation in the electoral process. He also acknowledged the shortage of office and staff residential accommodation, with some offices currently operating from small porta cabins with limited space.
Overall, the budget proposal for the IEC underscores the importance of adequate funding and resources to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process. With a focus on modernization, efficiency, and stakeholder engagement, the IEC aims to address challenges and improve voter turnout in the upcoming general elections. As discussions continue around the budget allocation, it is clear that the IEC is prioritizing its constitutional mandate and working towards facilitating free and fair elections in Botswana.
Read the original article on Gazette News
