September 20 (BTA) - The caretaker cabinet Monday
approved the budget estimate for the preparation and holding of
the November 14 presidential and parliamentary elections, the
government information service said. The cost is projected at
123.8 million leva, including a possible second round of the
presidential elections.

The Election Code requires that the estimated budget be approved
 no later than 55 days before Election Day. The financing is
provided from the State budget following approval by the
government in consultation with the Central Election Commission
(CEC).

The government will approve additional expenditures on CEC's
budget under the Public Finance Act if more voting machines have
 to be purchased. If CEC decides to introduce video surveillance
 in the voting sections, the government is ready to provide
extra financing. RY/DD



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