The CEC estimated that more than 14 billion hryvnias are needed to hold elections in Ukraine
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has estimated that more than 14 billion hryvnias are needed to organize presidential, parliamentary and local elections in Ukraine. The most expensive are the presidential elections — their cost is 6.2 billion hryvnias. About this reported Serhii Dubovyk, Deputy Chairman of the CEC.
“We will not be tied to a specific year or date. Presidential elections will cost more than 6 billion hryvnias, or about 150 million dollars. Parliamentary elections are somewhat cheaper, about 4 billion hryvnias, and local elections – more than 4 billion hryvnias. In total, it is about 90-100 million dollars.”Dubovik explained.
According to him, if all three election processes are combined, the amount will reach 221 million dollars, and these are only expenses directly related to the organization of the elections.
Dubovik also noted that there are additional expenses for the provision of electoral infrastructure, which are handled by local authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense. This includes demining the roads to polling stations, setting up booths, renting premises abroad, etc.
If the Verkhovna Rada decides to hold simultaneous presidential, parliamentary and local elections after martial law is lifted, the total costs could exceed $300 million.
“But these are only election expenses. I emphasize once again. And then there are additional expenses. Because we do not know how much money will be needed for the arrangement of local authorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense of the electoral infrastructure on the ground.” Dubovik added.
