KPU proposes extra budget

JAKARTA: Although its budget proposal for organizing the runoff election has not yet been approved by the House of Representatives, the General Elections Commission (KPU) proposed on Wednesday Rp 803 billion in an additional budget to fund its operational costs in 2005.

KPU secretary general Safder Yussac said most of the proposed budget would be allocated among other for the training of local elections commissions (KPUD) staff members, the establishment of new KPUDs, improving their inventory and construction of more warehouses.

"Rp 42 billion from the budget will be earmarked for updating the data of our voters as we will no longer conduct a voters registration for the 2009 general elections," he told a press briefing here.

The KPU had earlier demanded Rp 900 billion. -- JP