Election commission sets spending limits for Far-west candidates ahead of house polls

Dhangadhi: The Election Commission has announced the spending limits for candidates contesting the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for Falgun 21. The commission has set different expenditure ceilings for each constituency based on multiple factors.

In the 16 constituencies of Far West Province, higher spending limits have been set for candidates from remote districts compared to more accessible areas. Candidates from Doti, Bajhang, and Baitadi are allowed to spend up to Rs 3.3 million.

Candidates from Kailali-5, Darchula, Dadeldhura, and Bajura have a spending limit of Rs 3.1 million, while the remaining nine constituencies—including Achham-1 and 2, Kailali-1, 2, 3, and 4, and Kanchanpur-1, 2, and 3—have a ceiling of Rs 2.9 million.

To ensure transparency and proper monitoring, the commission has made it mandatory for all candidates to open a separate bank account for election-related expenses. According to the House of Representatives Members Act, this account must be closed within 35 days of submitting the final expense statement, and all records must be preserved for six years.

The commission emphasized that the expenditure limits aim to make elections less costly, dignified, and free from excessive displays of wealth.

Suman Ghimire, Information Officer of the Election Commission, stated that the expenditure limits were determined based on three main factors: the number of voters, the number of polling stations, and the area of the constituency. In setting the limits, 60 percent weight was given to the number of voters, while polling stations and constituency area were assigned 20 percent each.