The National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE) has outlined the procedures for implementing state financial aid aimed at independent candidate lists made up of individuals under forty years old for the upcoming legislative elections, according to an ANIE statement released on Sunday.
The Authority indicated that this initiative forms part of a program to partially cover electoral campaign costs, with a maximum cap set at 300,000 DA per eligible list. This measure applies to independent lists whose candidates are not older than 40 on election day. ANIE clarified that this effort “aims to foster youth political participation and facilitate their involvement in the electoral race, while lowering financial barriers that might restrict their presence on the ground.”
With this goal in mind, the Authority has requested the campaign treasurer of the involved lists to submit an application package to the ANIE provincial coordinator in exchange for a filing receipt. This process is framed as a mandatory step for evaluating applications and gaining access to public funds.
The required submission package must contain several supporting documents. Specifically, an aid application signed by the young candidate, a copy of their national identity card, a copy of the planned activity and travel itinerary for the electoral campaign, detailed pro-forma invoices categorized by expenditure type made out in the name of the list, as well as a copy of the bank identity statement (RIB) for a unique bank account opened under the name of the independent candidate list, dedicated solely to financing the campaign.
ANIE emphasized the organized nature of these files, which are meant to ensure the transparency and traceability of all incurred expenses. The body also highlighted that submitting the package allows for strict monitoring of the allocated public money, in line with regulations governing election campaign financing.
In the same vein, the Authority stressed its desire to enhance fairness among competing lists by providing more balanced starting conditions, particularly for independent candidates who do not possess the same resources as traditional political parties. It was also noted that this subsidy mechanism fits into a broader push to promote the renewal of the political class and stimulate youth engagement in upcoming electoral contests within an organized and transparent framework.