Spending Surge: EU Parliament Election Budget Explodes to €64.7 Million

In preparation for three elections and a referendum, the budget of the Central Election Commission (CEC) will more than double next year – up to 64.7 million. euros.

“The budget planned for the Central Election Commission for next year is the largest compared to previous years, but the period is also extraordinary,” the head of the commission, Lina Petronienė, told BNS.

In 2024, Lithuania will hold presidential, Seimas and European Parliament elections, as well as a referendum on dual citizenship.

“In the presidential and Seimas elections, it will likely be necessary to organize second rounds, so Lithuanian voters may have to be invited to the polling stations as many as five times next year,” said the head of the CEC.

“It is important to mention that Lithuanian citizens abroad will also have the right to vote in all these elections and referendums, so funds are also provided for organizing voting abroad,” she added.

As provided for in the state budget draft for the coming year, the major part of the planned funds is 47.1 million. euros – will be allocated to wages.

“During the elections, the Supreme Election Commission becomes one of the largest employers in Lithuania. Usually, about 14 thousand people are employed to work in election commissions. persons. And since the elections will be held in the spring, summer and autumn, we will be one of the biggest employers in Lithuania next year for a long time,” said L. Petronienė.

Another 6.1 million The budget provides for political parties, which are distributed by the CEC according to the votes they received in the elections.

In 2023, nearly 26 million were planned for CEC. EUR, of which about 15 million euros – for wages.

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