‘Grants for political parties to discourage costly election’

February 26, Karnali: Speakers at a programme have stressed the need for providing grants to the political parties so that election would not be costly.

In the virtual programme organized by Nepal Law Society Kathmandu focusing on Karnali Province, the speakers expressed concern over the elections getting costlier every time.

A former secretary at the law ministry, Raju Mansing Malla, reminded us that Rs 4. 92 billion per vote was spent in the local election, 2074. In the local level election in 2074, the electoral expense was Rs 6.64 billion while candidates and their supporters spent Rs 5.9 billion and government expenditure was Rs 1.84 billion, he presented the data showing how costly the election was.

Similarly, in the last election for the province and federal levels, Rs 4.4 billion was spent per vote. The candidates and their supporters spent Rs 9.69 billion. “If such a hefty amount was used for the country’s development, it would be a huge achievement for us,” he added, arguing that election policy needs huge reform.

On the occasion, former chief commissioner of Election Commission, Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav, also reminded that the Office of the Auditor-General had not audited the expenditure made in the 2074 elections yet. Grant was needed for political parties but transparent spending is a must to curb corruption, he stressed.

Member of Legislative Management Committee at National Assembly, Thagendra Prakash Puri, said a political party cannot run merely on levy so a certain amount of grant was essential. “Political parties must stop collecting donations for election. A clear law on reforming electoral spending is imperative for Nepal,” he added.