KATHMANDU: With 80 days remaining until the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5, 2026, the Election Commission (EC) has introduced new provisions in the Election Code of Conduct-2082 aimed at making election expenses more transparent.
The proposed code has been made public for feedback and suggestions. Under the new provisions, all election-related income and expenditure must be conducted through banks and financial institutions, and candidates and political parties will be required to maintain proper bills and receipts. The Commission said the measures are intended to ensure transparency in the sources and use of campaign funds.
According to the proposed code, political parties and candidates must disclose the estimated amount of election expenses and their sources at the time of filing nomination papers. Candidates will be required to open a separate bank account exclusively for election spending and carry out all expenditures through that account.
Candidates must also designate an authorized person to handle campaign expenses on their behalf. The name of the designated person must be submitted to the Returning Officer and the concerned election office along with the nomination documents.
Similarly, political parties must open a separate bank account for election-related spending and make all payments through that account via an authorized official. The code also mandates that any financial assistance exceeding Rs 25,000 must be received through a bank or financial institution.
If voluntary contributions are received in cash from individuals or organizations, the amount must be deposited in a bank or financial institution, with receipts properly issued and recorded. Detailed records of income and expenditure must be maintained, and invoices must be submitted in accordance with the format prescribed by the Commission.
The proposed provisions further state that if the Commission orders submission of expense details or bank account information, candidates and parties must submit original bills and bank statements.
Election expense details must be made public after the conclusion of the election and submitted to the Election Commission or the District Election Office within the timeframe specified by existing election laws.
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