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ENPASAR: The 2013 gubernatorial election will cost the state and provincial budgets Rp 143 billion (US$16,31 million), a staggering increase from Rp 43 billion in 2008.

Bali General Elections Commission (KPUD) chairman Ketut Sukawati Lanang Perbawa said that the increase was caused by several factors.

“In the budget for the 2013 election we are including all the costs for a [potential] second round election. This round must be held if the first round fails to produce a definite winner,” he said.

Another factor, he said, was the hiring of additional staff to update voter data.

“In the previous election, staff and workers responsible for updating data were stationed in every village in Bali,” Ketut said.

“In the upcoming election, they will be assigned to each polling station, therefore, their number will significantly increase,” he said, adding that 36 percent of the proposed budget will be used for wages.