The government has appropriated about Ks50 billion in the 2020-2021 budget for the general election, but it will be approved only after parliamentary scrutiny, said Deputy Minister for Planning, Finance and Industry Maung Maung Win.

The deputy minister revealed the information after the question raised by a reporter during the press briefing on the ministry activities in the fourth year of the government’s term held in Nay Pyi Taw on June 22. 

“The commission (Union Election Commission) asked for the budget. We checked it. Then we will send it together with the endorsement from the Finance Commission to the parliament. The parliament will scrutinize it again. After parliamentary approval, the budget spending will be confirmed,” he said. 

Budget Department Director General Thidar Tun said the Ks50 billion budget also includes Ks12.4 billion for policing duties by the Ministry of Home Affairs. 

In earlier June, Union Election Commission member Myint Naing said the general election will be held in November 2020. 

With the Covid-19 outbreak in Myanmar, departmental organizations tasked with the election process will be formed including officials from the Ministry of Health and Sports. 

The military has said political parties will not be allowed to canvass in military areas.