Kathmandu: The Election Commission (EC) of Nepal has introduced comprehensive amendments and revisions to existing election-related laws with the aim of ensuring clean, free, fair, safe, and economical elections. These proposed changes come in response to calls from society to enhance the electoral process.

Key proposals in the draft bill to amend and integrate election laws include:

Limiting Election Campaigns: The EC proposes to limit the duration of election campaigns, reduce the silent period, and increase transparency in campaign expenses.

Reducing Silent Period: The silent period, during which political campaigns are restricted, is proposed to be limited to 24 hours.

Transparency in Expenses: Stricter measures are introduced to control unnecessary election-related expenses and ensure transparency in income and expenses. Candidates and parties would be required to disclose financial details.

Gender Quota: The proposed amendments include provisions to ensure the fulfillment of quotas for women in election nominations and candidature.

Property Disclosure: Candidates will be mandated to submit details of their own and their family members' properties when filing nominations.

Deposit Discount: A 50% deposit discount is suggested for Dalit, women, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged or gender and sexual minority candidates.

Expense Limits: The limit on election expenses is proposed to be based on geographical conditions, distance, polling station, number of voters, and transportation accessibility within the constituency.

Transparency in Campaign Financing: Candidates and parties are required to disclose campaign income and expenses publicly. Financial assistance during elections must be obtained with detailed disclosure. Donations above a specified threshold should be received through bank accounts with proper receipts and source disclosure.

Expense Reporting: Candidates or parties must submit detailed reports of actual election expenses within 45 days after the announcement of election results.

Penalties: The proposed laws include provisions for fines and imprisonment for offering or accepting cash and goods from the general public or voters during elections.

These amendments aim to create a more transparent and regulated electoral process. It's essential to note that these proposals are subject to the legislative process and may be modified or refined before becoming law.