Kathmandu: The Election Commission has decided to make all election campaign expenses mandatory through the banking system in a bid to ensure transparency and discipline in the upcoming general elections.

A meeting of the Commission held on Magh 20 approved the Election Campaign Bank Account Operation and Management Procedure, 2082, discouraging cash transactions and strictly regulating donations and expenditures. Under the new rule, political parties and candidates will not be allowed to receive cash assistance exceeding Rs 25,000, and such amounts must be deposited directly into bank accounts. Donations above Rs 100,000 will require full disclosure of the donor’s identity, profession, PAN number, and source of funds.

The procedure also bans receiving financial support from government agencies, foreign organizations, non-governmental organizations, and publicly listed companies. All election income and expenses must be conducted in Nepali currency through cheques or electronic payment systems.

After the election, parties and candidates must publicly disclose detailed expense reports and submit them to the election office. While the election bank account must be closed within 35 days of submitting the report, records must be preserved for six years. The Office of the Auditor General has been tasked with monitoring expenses to ensure limits are not exceeded and public property is not misused.

The Commission said the move was taken in response to public complaints about non-transparent transactions and overspending in previous elections. It believes the new provision, introduced under the Election Commission Act and Code of Conduct, will strengthen fairness, accountability, and good governance in the electoral process.

According to the procedure, candidates contesting both direct and proportional systems must open a separate election bank account. Political parties will need a recommendation from the Election Commission Secretariat, while candidates must obtain one from the concerned district election office. Banks have been instructed not to open election accounts without official recommendations.

The Commission has directed all subordinate offices and banks to strictly implement the rule and urged political parties and candidates to practice transparent and responsible electoral conduct.