Sarlahi Candidates Show Indifference to Election Spending Rules as Polls Near

Sarlahi. As the House of Representatives member election scheduled for Falgun 21 approaches, candidates in Sarlahi appear indifferent to adhering to the rules regarding election expenditure management. Despite the provision requiring the opening of a separate bank account for campaigning, most candidates have yet to submit details of having opened such an account.

According to the Election Commission's directive, each candidate must conduct all income and expenditure through a separate bank account to ensure transparency in election spending. However, as of Monday, only 19 out of the 131 registered candidates in Sarlahi have presented proof of opening a bank account.

According to District Election Officer Rishiram Poudel, a total of 131 candidates, including those from 26 political parties and independents, have registered their candidacies in Sarlahi. Among them, 76 have obtained recommendations to open a bank account, but the majority are delaying in opening the account and submitting the details.

According to Poudel, the Chief of the Treasury and Controller's Office, candidates are being repeatedly reminded via phone to open bank accounts. There is a clear provision that failing to open an account on time and incurring election expenses will constitute a violation of the Commission's directive.