Poll Expense Cap For A Level Playing Field

As Nepal heads to local polls, slated for May 13, electioneering has picked up throughout the country. The candidates vying for various posts at their respective local bodies have now been involved in a door-to-door campaign, asking for votes from voters. Many central level leaders of different political parties have a busy schedule these days, attending mass rallies and mass meetings held in various parts, in their bid to boost the chances of party candidates' victory in the polls. The major political parties that have formed their alliances have done their utmost to win elections at local units. A victory in the upcoming polls will consolidate the parties' opportunity to win the provincial and federal parliamentary elections, due in six/seven months. However, the rebel party candidates belonging to all political parties have turned the present elections into an interesting battle.

Election periods nonetheless are a time when candidates engage in all kinds of practice to claim victory and nudge their rivals out of the reckoning. This is the time when candidates spend a large amount of money and muscle to beat rivals. It is generally believed that the candidates have riches and muscle power in the form of electioneering materials that comprise vehicles, posters and pamphlets, more party workers, local musclemen and many others that often provide them with an edge over rivals lacking many of these ingredients. The continuation of this situation does not allow all candidates a level playing field. The candidates lacking 'money and muscle' are often those who fail to secure victory while those enjoying the two elements are the ones always coming out victorious.

Considering this fact, the Election Commission (EC) has rightly put a cap on the election expenditure of all candidates. The provision is expected to end anomalies related to the expenditure of candidates. To enforce its rules that the expenditure from poll candidates must not exceed the prescribed limit, the EC has asked the candidates to submit their election expenditure details in a standard accounting format. The EC has brought this provision as per Article 24 of the Election Commission Act, 2017. More importantly, all the reports on the poll expenditure of candidates will be published in the Nepal Gazette, which has indeed highlighted the importance of making elections of all hues and stripes free from excessive and filthy use of money.

Any elections held in a democratic society must remain free from any bias. The utilisation of excessive funds so that the candidates can enjoy an edge over others should not be encouraged. Without an effective limit on poll expenditures, the candidates having riches might win one after another election while a candidate who lacks money and backing from musclemen, but who has all qualities to lead society towards reforms and development may not taste success. The EC has attempted to end this situation by putting a limitation on poll expenses. This will indeed provide a level playing ground for all candidates. The provision will address anomalies witnessed in the country's elections over the past several years. It will indeed be a boon for the candidates having all qualities to win elections but could not achieve success just because the rivals have the power to spend money to impress voters in various ways.