KATHMANDU: Of the total 3,406 candidates contesting the March 5 election to the House of Representatives under the first-past-the-post (direct) electoral system, only 1,670 candidates have so far opened bank accounts, according to the Election Commission (EC).

Similarly, out of the 65 political parties in fray in the upcoming election, only 11 have opened bank accounts for election spending purpose as of now.

According to Sita Pun Shrees, Assistant Spokesperson of the Commission, the parties that have opened bank accounts are the Nepali Congress, Rastriya Janamorcha, CPN Unified, Nepali Communist Party, Nepal Ka Lagi Nepali Party (Nepali Party for Nepal), Janata Samajwadi Party, Samyukta Nagarik Party and Miteri Party.

Likewise, Nepal Janata Sanrakshyan Party, Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party and Rastriya Janamukti Party have opened bank account.

As per the House of Representatives Member Election Campaign Bank Account (Operation and Management) Procedures-2082 BS, all political parties, candidates and independent candidates registering their candidacies with the Election Commission to contest under the proportional representation and First-Past-The-Post system are required to open bank accounts for election campaigning purposes.

They are also mandated to manage their income and expenses through these accounts.

The provision seeks to ensure transparency in financial assistance received by them during the election by adhering to set expenditures ceiling and thereby prevent overspending.