Kathmandu: The Election Commission has fixed the maximum spending limit for candidates contesting the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for Falgun 21. The ceiling ranges from Rs 2.5 million to Rs 3.3 million, depending on geographical conditions as well as the accessibility and remoteness of constituencies.

According to Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, candidates contesting from Kathmandu constituencies 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8 will be allowed to spend up to Rs 2.5 million, the lowest limit set by the Commission.

As per the Commission’s decision, candidates in 17 constituencies can spend up to Rs 2.7 million, while the limit has been fixed at Rs 2.9 million for 65 constituencies and Rs 3.1 million for 52 constituencies. The highest ceiling of Rs 3.3 million has been set for candidates in 26 constituencies.

To ensure transparency in election expenses, candidates are required to open a separate bank or financial institution account and make all election-related expenditures only through that account. They must also appoint a designated person responsible for handling expenses and submit the relevant details to the Office of the Election Officer.

The Commission has also made it mandatory for candidates to submit a complete statement of election expenses within 35 days of the official announcement of election results. Candidates who fail to submit the details or exceed the prescribed limit will face action in accordance with the House of Representatives Members Act.