Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has said that political parties and candidates contesting the House of Representatives election must conduct all financial transactions through the banking system.
He said the EC could take actions, including cancellation of candidacy, if transactions are carried out outside the banking system.
Speaking at an interaction with umbrella organisations of the private sector regarding the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, Bhandari urged businesses not to engage in cash transactions with political parties and candidates during the election period.
He said all stakeholders had supported the election process to maintain discipline and prevent the country from slipping into a situation similar to that of Bangladesh. Stating that the EC has maintained from the outset that elections are the most appropriate means to bring the country back on track after the September 8 and 9 protests, he thanked businesspeople and the media for their cooperation.
EC Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut said the private sector must help ensure compliance with the election code of conduct, and that democracy can be strengthened by holding periodic elections through cooperation with all sectors. Stating that around Rs 31 billion would be spent during the election, he said this expenditure would help energize the economy, including the industrial and business sectors.
