ISLAMABAD: The upcoming general elections which are likely to be held in the last week of July will cost the national exchequer dearly with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) estimating an initial cost of the polls at more than Rs20 billion, ARY News reported.
According to informed sources, the electoral body has estimated an initial cost of the 2018 polls at over Rs20 billion.
Out of the initial estimated cost, Rs one billion will be spent for maintaining law and order situation during elections, and Rs six to seven billion will be spent under the head of election duties while publication of ballot papers will cost Rs two and half billions.
Sources said the government has assured the commission of provision of the required funds to meet election expenditures.
It is the responsibility of the government to make funds available to ensure the conduct of elections, an ECP official said.
The ECP on Monday sent a summary to President Mamnoon Hussain, proposing three dates for holding the upcoming general elections.
The commission has proposed three dates from 25th July to 27th July to the president to decide on which date the next polls are to be held, according to a statement issued by the election body today.
 estimating an initial cost of the polls at more than Rs20 billion, ARY News reported. ){kind=link}