EC makes bank accounts mandatory for election campaign expenses to ensure transparency

Kathmandu: The Election Commission has introduced the Election Campaign Bank Account Operation and Management Procedures, requiring all campaign expenses by political parties and candidates to be conducted through bank accounts.

The move, in line with the Election Commission Act, the Election Code of Conduct, and directives from Nepal Rastra Bank, aims to bring transparency, discourage cash transactions, and maintain clear records of all income and expenses.

All registered parties, proportional representation and first-past-the-post candidates, and independents must channel donations and campaign spending through these accounts.

Parties need recommendations from the Commission Secretariat, while candidates must obtain recommendations from their district election offices to open accounts in designated banks.

The Commission says bank transactions will make it easier to track expenses, identify sources, and conduct audits. RSS