EC Fixes Constituency-wise Spending Limits for HoR Candidates

Kathmandu, Jan 3 — With 61 days remaining until the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, the Election Commission has set constituency-wise ceilings on campaign expenditure for candidates.

According to the Commission, candidates contesting in 26 constituencies—mostly in geographically remote and hard-to-access districts—will be allowed to spend up to Rs 3.3 million, the highest limit prescribed. These constituencies include Taplejung, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Khotang, Dolakha and Ramechhap, as well as two constituencies each in Kavrepalanchok, Makawanpur and Bardiya, and single constituencies in Gorkha, Lamjung, Arghakhanchi, Rolpa, Pyuthan, Dang, Salyan, Dolpa, Humla, Jajarkot, Bajhang, Doti and Baitadi.

The EC said the higher spending cap reflects challenges posed by difficult geography and limited accessibility.

For constituencies in more accessible districts, the minimum spending limit has been set lower. Candidates in five constituencies—Kathmandu-1, 3, 6, 7 and 8—will be allowed to spend the least. Similarly, candidates contesting in Terhathum, Parsa-1, 2 and 3, Rasuwa, Kathmandu-2, 4, 5, 9 and 10, Lalitpur-1 and 2, Manang, Kaski-2 and Rukum West will not be allowed to exceed Rs 2.7 million in election expenses.

The Commission has also set intermediate ceilings, allowing candidates in 65 constituencies to spend up to Rs 2.9 million and those in 52 constituencies up to Rs 3.1 million.

In a move aimed at promoting transparency and financial accountability, the EC has made it mandatory for all candidates to conduct election-related expenditures through accounts held at licensed banks or financial institutions.