EC directs candidates, political parties to spend through banking system

Published On: May 4, 2022 12:50 PM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal


KATHMANDU, May 4: The Election Commission (EC) has directed the candidates and political parties to spend through the banking system in the local elections. 

Issuing a statement on Tuesday, the commission asked the candidates to spend for the election through the banking system following the Election Act, 2073 BS and Election Code of Conduct.

The EC has made a provision in the Election Code of Conduct for the candidates to open an account in a bank or other financial institutions to make election related expenses. "When a candidate spends on election-related expenses, s/he has to appoint a responsible official to spend on his/her behalf. The candidate has to inform the office of the Election Officer and the Election Office about the details including the names of the appointed office-bearers," said Shaligram Sharma Poudel, spokesperson for the EC.

He further added, "Political parties will have to spend for election related activities through banks." Any financial assistance of more than Rs 50,000 should be taken through banks or financial institutions. 

According to him, if cash is taken as donation from a person or organization, the amount should be deposited in the bank account of the candidate or political party by giving the receipt.

If the commission orders to present the receipts and submit the details of the account in the bank or financial institution, the gross bill and the account details of the bank or financial institution should be submitted and the details of election expenses should be made public, according to a provision of the EC.  

Political parties and candidates have been called upon to abide by the provisions of the Election Commission Act, 2073, Election (Offenses and Punishment) Act, 2073 and Election Code of Conduct while spending for election. The Commission has also directed all of its subordinate offices including Provincial Election Office and the District Election Office to make the arrangements as prescribed.

 


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