Zimpapers Logo

In an interview here last week, Mini-ster Biti said his ministry was not yet privy to election budgeting, saying they would do so if the Justice Ministry infor-ms them of the elections scheduled for 2011.

“We will be guided by the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs on elections because that prerogative falls under that ministry. We cannot, as a ministry, just budget if the issue has not been put to us through the right channels,” he said.

Minister Biti indicated that Govern-ment would need US$200 million for both the presidential and general elections.
President Mugabe has indicated that the country will go for elections in June next year following the expiry of the inclusive Government in February.

A referendum on the new constitution is expected top be held within the first three months of 2011.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has also said it is ready to conduct the elections.

Speaking during a 2011 National Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative meeting here last Friday, Minister Biti expressed worry at the imminent elections.
He said he would not put faith in the Vote of Credit, which he said had not performed.

Minister Biti conceded that his 2009/10 Vote of Credit of over US$800 million was a wish list.