EC needs K12m for new gear

 By ALISON ANIS

ACTING chief electoral commissioner John Kalamoro said more than K12 million was needed for the electronic counting system in next year’s general elections.

Kalamoro last Friday reported that Electoral Commission had submitted an estimated figure of K12.3 million as part of its budget submissions toward purchasing the equipment which is said to be transparent and an effective tool for counting election votes.

“As it appears, no funding was allocated for the electronic counting system so the commission has simply pushed that aside while focusing on other activities and preparations leading up to the elections.”

He explained that the electronic counting system captured and stored voting results electronically using cameras, scanners, projectors and a computer.

“The results on the ballot paper is captured on camera and projected to the screen so scrutineers of candidates are able to tell if a vote is invalid or not.”

Kalamoro said the K12 million submission was for the purchase of another 20 equipment for each province and also to cover additional costs for training people in each province on how to handle the equipment.

“We have only put aside the counting system due to no funds for but there is still ample time left now and before the elections to get the equipment ready and the manpower to drive that during elections.”