Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Agency Report
Published on 2024-02-24 15:12:14
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently disclosed that the federal government allocated N313.4 billion for the 2023 general elections. This amount was part of the N355.2 billion set aside for the elections, with the remaining balance yet to be released as of September 2023.
The breakdown of the proposed budget for the 2023 elections included N159.7 billion for electoral operations, N117.3 billion for electoral technology, and N20.4 billion for electoral administrative costs. Additionally, a contingency of N7.4 billion was allocated for unforeseen electoral expenses.
Following the submission of its budget proposal to the presidency in accordance with the 1999 Constitution, INEC presented its plans to the National Assembly for approval. The parliament subsequently approved N303.1 billion for the elections. However, due to factors such as inflation, the exchange rate differential, and infrastructure damage, the approved amount was deemed insufficient.
Given the challenges faced by the commission, including attacks on its facilities, the need for supplementary appropriation of N52 billion was requested and approved by the National Assembly, bringing the total funds allocated for the elections to N355.2 billion. This amounted to an average cost of N3,801 per registered voter, which falls within the acceptable range for transitional democracies.
The government released funds in tranches totaling N313.4 billion between February 2022 and September 2023, with an outstanding balance of N61.8 billion as of October 2023. In addition to government funding, INEC also received support from development partners for voter education, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement.
The constitutional provision for funding INEC ensures that the commission’s expenditure is directly sourced from the Consolidated Revenue of the Federation and that any additional funds required must be approved by the National Assembly. The timely release of funds is crucial for the commission to effectively carry out its mandate in preparing for the upcoming general elections.
As the sole entity responsible for funding INEC, the Federal Government of Nigeria plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. By allocating adequate funds and supporting the commission’s activities, the government contributes to the success of democratic processes in the country.
In conclusion, the allocation of funds for the 2023 general elections is a crucial aspect of ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process in Nigeria. With the necessary financial support, INEC can effectively carry out its responsibilities and uphold the principles of democracy in the country.
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