Date set for issue of writs for LLG polls

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
WRITS for the 2019 local level government elections will be issued on April 25, with two weeks’ polling to begin on May 9, according to Inter-government Relations Minister Kevin Isifu.
Isifu said the writs should be returned on or before Thursday June 13.
The seven-day nomination period is from April 25.
There will be a 15-day campaign period from April 25.
Polling is from May 9 to 22.
Counting is for 21 days from May 23.
Isifu said the Electoral Commission should finalise all preparations to conduct and deliver successful LLG elections within the given timeframe.
“My approval of the local level government elections dates today should put to rest speculation about a further deferral of the local level government elections,” he said.
Isifu also said the Government had allocated K100 million for the elections.
“But I am appealing to the provincial governments and the district development authorities to share the costs and mobilise resources at their disposal to make the elections a success,” Isifu said.
He said the Departments of Treasury and Finance had released K72 million towards the end of last year.
“That money has been transferred to my department which administers the payment of the councillors’ monthly allowances through bank accounts,” Isifu said.
He said the councillors were paid K2000 each before the public accounts were shut down last month.
“And just two weeks ago, the councillors were K3200 each,” he said.
“The remaining K2000 for the July-December period will be paid in February after due diligence checks.”