Kathmandu. Half of the candidates in the federal capital Kathmandu have not opened bank accounts yet.

A total of 250 candidates have filed their candidacies for the election to the House of Representatives from 10 constituencies in Kathmandu, but only 120 have opened bank accounts so far, according to Kathmandu’s election officer Thakur Prasad Bhattarai.

The Election Commission (EC) has directed the political parties not to use any means other than banks and financial institutions while making election expenditures by the candidates. Although this issue is mentioned in the election code of conduct, half of the candidates have not opened bank accounts.

Issuing a press release today, EC Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said the EC’s attention was drawn again to the need to open a separate account in banks and financial institutions while receiving or spending more than Rs 25,000 for election purposes from the same account.

He also said that if the commission gives the order, it should submit the bill of expenses, the details of the account of the bank or financial institution, the original bill reimbursement and the details of the account of the bank or financial institution.

Depending on the geography, candidates can spend between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 33 lakh.