On the list of public procurements of the State Election Commission for the referendum, is the need for modification and upgrading of software for an integrated information system for managing the referendum processes, software for random selection of election bodies and other IT equipment.
Just as a reminder, the biggest investment that the SEC made in the period 2016-2017 was the software upgrading that cost 4.298.400 denars (69.892 euros) activated right before the early parliamentary elections in 2016. But, the amount of 16.533.705 denars (268.840 euros) for the procurement of armchairs, conference tables, metal cabinets and a safe, heaters, mobile devices, external hard discs, printers, software and sound system for 2016-2017, this year, specifically for the needs of the referendum, will be increased.
It is not known exactly how much, but as much as 5 pieces of metal cabinets for confidential material cost and 20 pieces of office chairs and 4 air conditioning units with mounting.
The question is where was the confidential material kept until now? How much material is there that can’t be fitted into the previously purchased cabinets, and how is it secured? Exactly for whom are these 20 chairs intended, and how could they previously leave 4 offices with air conditioning?
How much will the new software solution contribute to achieving a decent Voters Register, assuming it will cost more, having in consideration that the previous one did not give any results?
The public procurement is for the needs of the Referendum. What is going to happen with these chairs, air conditions…after the Referendum?
Perhaps it sounds naïve, but it isn’t at all. Every denar that is spent is money taken from the citizens.
The role of the SEC in protecting the voting right is enormous, but at the same time it is also the greatest disappointment in the election processes. Transparent spending of public money is one of the most important factors if this institution has the intention of restoring citizens’ trust.
Or if the citizens are already damaged by being deprived of their right to vote, with phantoms and deceased persons, then they should at least not be robbed as well.
B. Jordanovska
