The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the Federal Government has released a total of N313.4 billion for the upcoming 2023 general elections.
According to the released 2023 General Election Report by the commission on Friday, out of the approved N355.2 billion budget for the elections, N313.4 billion has been disbursed as of September 2023.
The report outlined INEC’s budget proposal of N305 billion for the elections, which included allocations of N159.7 billion for electoral operations, N117.3 billion for electoral technology, and N20.4 billion for electoral administrative costs. Additionally, N7.4 billion was set aside for unforeseen electoral expenses, representing 2.5 per cent of the total budget.
Following the submission of the budget proposal to the presidency and subsequent approval by the National Assembly, INEC engaged in discussions with relevant government bodies for the release of funds in accordance with constitutional provisions.
To address challenges such as inflation, consumer price index fluctuations, and the need to rebuild or relocate operations due to attacks on its facilities, INEC requested supplementary appropriation of N52 billion, which was approved by the National Assembly, bringing the total approved budget to N355.2 billion.
The report highlighted that despite facing numerous challenges, the allocated budget per registered voter for the 2023 general election falls within internationally acceptable standards, demonstrating fiscal prudence in electoral expenditure.
In line with constitutional provisions, INEC has received N293.4 billion in tranches between February 2022 and February 2023, with an additional N20 billion released in August and September 2023. However, a remaining sum of N61.8 billion is yet to be disbursed as of October 2023.
Furthermore, INEC emphasized that while it receives support from development partners for specific electoral activities, it does not receive direct cash transfers. Instead, development partners undertake the implementation of activities as requested by INEC to enhance electoral integrity and citizen participation.
Constitutionally mandated, the Federal Government is solely responsible for providing funding to INEC, ensuring the commission’s financial autonomy and the successful execution of its electoral mandate.
