Candidates Must Open Dedicated Bank Accounts for Campaign Finance

Kathmandu — To ensure a clean, transparent and economical House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21, the Election Commission of Nepal has implemented a new rule requiring all candidates to open a dedicated bank account for election campaign finances.

Election Commission Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut said the step is intended to bind political parties and candidates to financial discipline and to make the election code of conduct more effective.

As part of intensified preparations for the upcoming election, the Commission has also unveiled new standards regarding campaign spending and women’s safety, with transparency in campaign financing a key priority, the secretary said.

Under the newly approved “House of Representatives Campaign Banking Operation and Management Procedure, 2082,” every candidate must open and operate a separate bank account for campaign purposes.

According to the new rule, any financial contribution over Rs. 25,000 must be received and spent through a bank or financial institution. Voluntary contributions from Nepali citizens or organized groups will be made transparent through official receipts.

The Election Code of Conduct (Section 16) requires candidates to submit detailed spending reports and receipts to the Election Commission within the specified timeframe, the secretary added.

Secretary Raut emphasized that cleaning up campaign finances and strengthening financial accountability is the duty not only of the Election Commission but also of all political parties and candidates. By mandating bank accounts for campaign funds, the Commission aims to uphold transparency, enforce the election code of conduct, and further systematize and dignify election processes.

To boost meaningful participation by women in the election, the Commission has also called for a shared commitment to reduce violence, fear and intimidation against women candidates and voters.

Secretary Raut reiterated that the election is not merely a mechanism for selecting representatives but a fundamental pillar of democracy, and cooperation among political parties is essential to make it clean and fair.