Elections: expenditure cut by 30% (ISIE)

Tunis: The Independent High Authority for Elections (French: ISIE) cut spending on the recent elections by 30%, member Najla Abrougui Saturday told TAP. The election process saw the setting up of the National Council of Regions and Districts. The ISIE Board had decided at its latest meeting to terminate the mission of the members of the regional authorities as of April 1 following the completion of the electoral process, she added. This decision aims to better manage expenditure; it is an ordinary measure taken at the end of any elections, she further said. In fact, the completion of any elections systematically terminates the missions of members of regional authorities and the contracts under which they were recruited, she added. Regional coordinators, directors of regional election authorities (IRIEs) and staff members continue to perform their duties within the regional sections. The ISIE endeavoured to make better use of funds earmarked for the organisation of local elections with the aim of making a better use of public funds, she added. Abrougui said applications will be filed shortly to hire members of regional authorities in the runup to presidential elections. Presidential elections will be held in the last quarter of 2024, followed by the municipal elections. Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse