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INEC Requires N 59 Billion for 2015 Elections, 9 Billion to be spent on Permanent Voter Cards

By on January 27, 2012

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, yesterday demanded the sum of N 59 billion for the conduction of free and fair elections in 2015 as well as bye-elections this year.

Jega, speaking before the House Committee on Electoral Matters defended the budget stating, “the N59 billion we requested is the comfort level that will help us get prepared for 2015, but the envelop of N47.3 billion won’t serve. It is difficult to sacrifice the aspirations of Nigerians for free, fair and credible elections if we do not do our job well.

“In order to improve the electoral process, we have to make a lot of investment in facilities and infrastructure towards 2015 and to do this, we have to go back to the N59 billion. We are worried that if adequate preparations are not made, the possible bye-elections may not be possible.”

Jega disclosed that 70 million voters cards at a cost of N 129/card would be required at a total cost of over N 9 billion. He also stated a 120,000 card readers would be required for the 120,000 polling booths across the country.

The Chairman of the Committee on Electoral Matters, Jerry Manwe, appears to be in agreement with INEC as he stated, “there is the need to improve on the gains of the 2011 elections and if not properly funded in good time, INEC may not be able to live to expectations of Nigerians in 2015.”

 

One Comment

  1. Anonymous

    January 28, 2012 at 11:24 am

    Its better to make this card meaningful and a standard card for every Nigeria .
    It should not carry Party logos , it should only carry Nigerians coat of arms ,then when you swip it on any of the machine , the parties will come out and the person can vote .

    Without the card ,no body can vote and it will stop duplicating fraud.
    Swip + tumb printing will check the fraud in multiple ntries.