CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Nepal’s Election Commission has proposed a complete ban on political parties receiving any kind of donations, while advising Parliament to introduce sweeping changes to election-related laws. The newly proposed legislation states that the government should manage all election-related expenses. Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Thapaliya confirmed the proposal.
Commission officials presented their views today before the State Affairs Parliamentary Committee, urging Parliament to introduce a bill amending current election laws.
Chief Election Commissioner Thapaliya, addressing the committee, said that political parties should be entirely barred from receiving financial support from individuals, organizations, businesses, or any other entities. The government should provide a fixed amount of funds to all political parties for election expenses to prevent misuse of money during elections. He also proposed giving the Commission more powers to curb financial irregularities in elections.
Additionally, the Commission proposed banning lawmakers from switching parties during their full term. Independently elected members should also be barred from joining any political party during their tenure.
However, a provision was proposed to allow the formation of a new political party if at least 40% of a party’s central committee members and 40% of its elected lawmakers jointly make the request. Thapaliya emphasized that a complete ban on party-splitting and defection is necessary to respect the people’s mandate.
The Commission also proposed mandatory 33% female candidacy in direct elections and greater inclusion of indigenous people, minorities, and Dalits through direct electoral participation under the principle of inclusiveness.
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