Kathmandu, May 10

Amid rising concerns about presenting the budget between the two phases of local polls, the Election Commission today made it clear that the government could present the budget between the polls but without incorporating any populist or pet programmes.

The election code of conduct does not bar the government from presenting the budget. However, the government must consult the EC regarding the programmes that are going to be included in the fiscal budget, according to Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhi Prasad Yadav.

Opposition parties had filed a complaint at the Election Commission stating that presenting the budget between the two phases of local polls could have an adverse impact on elections.

Following complaints of the opposition parties, EC has urged the government to consult the EC prior to presenting the budget.

As the EC has allowed the government to present the budget, it has paved the way for the government to present a full budget in the Parliament before May 29. According to a provision in the constitution, the government should present the budget by May 29.

Since the second phase of local polls is scheduled for June 14, the government is seeking ways to defer the budget presentation date by amending the constitution.

“Moreover, there is an agreement between the ruling CPN-Maoist Centre and its major coalition partner Nepali Congress to change the leadership of the government after the first phase of the local polls. So, bringing a complete budget by May 29 is also not the priority of the incumbent government,” a high-level source at the Ministry of Finance told THT.

However, the EC has paved the way for presenting the budget by May 29.