September 2010 Vol 23, Business , Financial and Property Indaba
FM Biti Says US$200 Million Needed for Zimbabwe's Next Elections
Zimbabwe will need about US$200 million to conduct elections which look likely next year, Finance Minister Tendai Biti said Tuesday.
Zimbabwe will need about US$200 million to conduct elections which look likely next year, Finance Minister Tendai Biti said Tuesday.
Biti told a news conference that government needed US$100 million for presidential elections and an equal amount for parliamentary polls.
He indicated that his office had already started working on the polling budget, but said it was unclear when elections will be held.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and President Robert Mugabe have both urged their followers to brace for polls next year. But analysts argue the country is not yet ready for a new round of voting, normally characterized by violence.
Zimbabwe Election Support Network chairman Tinoziva Bere told VOA Studio 7 reporter Ntungamili Nkomo that it is commendable government is already working on the elections budget.
