Treasury Issues Reports on Budget Allocations for 2024 General Elections

Addressing concerns about budget reductions amid the country's debt burden, the Treasury assured that measures were taken to adequately resource the election requirements.

The National Treasury has issued a statement to correct reports regarding budget allocations for the Electoral Commission (IEC) for the 2024 General Elections. Addressing concerns about budget reductions amid the country's debt burden, the Treasury assured that measures were taken to adequately resource the election requirements.

Key Points from the Statement:

Engagement with IEC: The National Treasury engaged continuously with the IEC during the 2024 Budget process to ascertain its funding requirements for the National and Provincial Elections.

Cost Accommodation: Discussions confirmed that election costs could be accommodated within the IEC's baseline through surplus retention. Approval was granted for the IEC to retain accumulated surpluses of R1.5 billion, eliminating the need for additional allocations.

Budget Allocations:

In the 2023/24 financial year, the IEC was allocated R2.232 billion.

For the 2024/25 financial year, the IEC is allocated R2.302 billion, with R322.2 million transferred in April 2024 and a further R1.040 billion to be transferred between May and June 2024.

Budget Review Measures: The 2024 Budget Review outlined specific measures to address concerns:

Reversing spending reductions to the IEC, providing an additional R250 million compared to the 2023 estimates.

Allowing the IEC to retain accumulated surpluses of R1.5 billion.

New additional allocations of R350 million for the security of the election process.

The statement from the National Treasury aims to clarify misconceptions regarding budget allocations for the 2024 General Elections. It emphasizes the government's commitment to ensuring adequate resources for the electoral process and addresses concerns raised about budget reductions. The measures outlined in the 2024 Budget Review reflect a proactive approach to support the IEC in conducting free and fair elections.