Kathmandu – Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has expressed concern over the increasing cost of elections and the growing commercialization of Nepal’s political process.
Speaking at an interaction program with representatives of political parties focused on election expenditure management and women’s participation, Bhandari stressed that all stakeholders must act with honesty to ensure elections are conducted in a free, fair and impartial manner.
Bhandari said the influence of money in Nepal’s elections is not a new issue, stating that its roots extend back into the country’s political history. Referring to the autobiography of Navaraj Subedi, he recalled that during the 2036 B.S. referendum period, commercialization began entering politics.
He mentioned that matters had been made public regarding then-Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa granting certain business permissions, including authorization related to snake skin trade, which was described as an early instance of political-commercial linkage.
He stated that since then, competition in election spending has continued to increase in successive elections, describing the trend as unfavorable for democracy.
Comparing past and present electoral practices, Bhandari cited the 2043 B.S. National Panchayat election as an example, noting that candidates with public support had contested elections through voluntary financial contributions from citizens. He contrasted that period with the current pattern of escalating campaign expenditures.
Bhandari emphasized the need for transparency and responsible conduct to safeguard the integrity of Nepal’s democratic process.
