219 out of 250 Kathmandu Candidates Open Bank Accounts

A total of 219 out of 250 candidates contesting the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election in the federal capital have opened bank accounts, complying with the election code of conduct.

The candidates are running in 10 constituencies across Kathmandu for the election scheduled for March 5. According to the District Returning Office, all 250 candidates have filed their nominations and are actively campaigning.

Information Officer Srijana Rayamajhi confirmed that the majority have now opened bank accounts to channel their election-related expenses through the formal banking system.

The Election Commission (EC) had previously directed political parties and candidates that all election expenditures must be made through banks or financial institutions, a provision also included in the election code of conduct. Despite this directive, a number of candidates in Kathmandu have yet to comply.

As per election regulations, candidates are permitted to spend between Rs 2.5 million and Rs 3.3 million on their campaigns, depending on the geographical region.

The EC has stated that it is tracking the flow of funds from candidates' accounts to ensure transparency and promote good governance.

Nationwide, under the first-past-the-post system, only 1,389 of the 3,406 candidates across 165 constituencies have opened bank accounts so far, according to EC Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC. -- RSS