CEC Head told how much money can be saved by holding single voting day

Chairman of the Central Election Commission Igor Karpenko, after his report to the President, told journalists today how much money could be saved by holding a single voting day. According to the CEC Head, the main item of expenditure during the election campaign is the payment of salaries to people who work in the commissions. In the course of various election campaigns, 77 to 80 percent of the total share of expenditures was allocated for these purposes.

photo: www.president.gov.by

“Now [during the upcoming elections] we will spend only 66 percent on this issue,” Igor Karpenko said. “This is due to the fact that the number of commissions has decreased because district commissions for the election of deputies of the House of Representatives will perform the functions of district commissions for the election of deputies of regional councils and the Minsk City Council of Deputies. Moreover, we establish these commissions in a shorter time, i.e., 30 days before the elections, which also resulted in some savings.”

In general, according to Igor Karpenko, the combination of elections will enable the country to spend about two times less funds than if each campaign was held separately. Alongside saving financial resources, there is another significant advantage in holding a single voting day. This refers to the reduction of the electoral cycle, when local, parliamentary and presidential elections are held in two years. This leaves more time for the implementation of the planned plans and programmes.