CAMPAIGNING for a general election is not cheap.
It can cost more than the vehicle of your dreams, the vacation you’ve been yearning for or even a brand new house.
From branded T-shirts and hats to music trucks and TV/radio ads, millions are spent to influence voters’ decisions.
Current legislation (Representation of the People Act) allows candidates to spend up to $50,000 on their campaign. So if a political party is contesting all 41 seats and each candidate uses the maximum amount of money, the total spent would be $2,050,000. Candidates are also allowed to spend up to $5,000 on personal expenses.
Sunday Newsday researched prices online and in person from various local businesses and spoke to business owners/service providers to get further insight.
These prices are solely based on whether political parties choose to buy/support local as opposed to buying overseas.
Billboards, banners, T-shirts, flags
Billboards featuring candidates' bright smiles are a common sight during election season. Some of these service providers said renting one costs between $1,900 and $3,500 per month (excluding VAT), depending on the size, type (digital or traditional), and location.
[caption id="attachment_1149304" align="alignnone" width="1024" height="683" alt=""] UNC supporters cheer on candidates at the party's political meeting at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya on April 5. - Photo by Grevic Alvarado[/caption]
T-shirts are often given to party supporters and even to potential voters during walkabouts, as candidates try to win them over. They are usually either candidate-specific or generic.
Printery workers said T-shirt printing prices range from $55-$300, and polos, $90-$320. This includes graphics on the front and back, and on the pocket for polos.
Branded hats can start at $45 and go up to $75, depending on whether logos are printed or embroidered. Embroidery is more expensive.
Banners are another common sight, not only during walkabouts but at meetings and rallies. So too flags.
A small banner can cost about $70, while a larger ones range from $600-$1,200. So if a political party opts for one of the biggest banners for each constituency (41 in total), that can range from $24,600-$49,200.
Large flags range from around $70-$520 and minis can cost as low as $30.
Ads in print, broadcast media
Whether you're watching TV, listening to the radio, reading the newspaper, or even online, political ads can’t be avoided. Notably, they always clearly indicate they are paid ads to ensure people do not think media houses are endorsing the content.
Sales and advertising specialists advised that securing a newspaper ad that is ten inches in length and seven in width and coloured can cost about $2,600. And this season, some political parties have placed at least three of those in a single edition of a paper – that adds up to $7,800. And if this is done with all three major newspapers on a given day, that total jumps to $23,400.
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