CEC Yadav urges political parties to abide by election code of conduct

KATHMANDU: Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has urged the political parties not to make the election campaigning extravagant and costly, and maintain financial transparency by abiding by the election code of conduct.

During a discussion with the officials from the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Confederation of Nepalese Industry at the Election Commission on Tuesday, CEC Yadav said, "Election Commission was firm against extravagant and costly election campaigning. So, the donation seeking and receiving should not breach the code of conduct."

He directed the Anti-Money Laundering Department and Revenue Investigation Department to monitor the expenses of the political parties and leaders. He also said assistance from all sides was essential to make the election free and fair.

A total of 80 political parties, including those representing in the Legislature-Parliament, have filed registration at EC for their participation in the local-level election.

Similarly, Election Commissioner Ila Sharma said a new provision was in place for the transparency of donation from industrialists and entrepreneurs to the parties.

The expenses made within election code of conduct would help make election meaningful and democracy more functional, said EC Secretary Gopinath Mainali.