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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
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</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.
Why Disclose?
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure.
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation.
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.
Terrorised Business Community?
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community.
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.
But they aren’t so clean
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed.
A Silver Lining
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community.
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
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<div>
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<div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
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<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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<strong>--By Siromani Dhungana</strong></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties should recognise the value of transparency in the political process and provide citizens with information on funds raised and spent to influence their votes.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Parties, however, keep their contributions hidden from the public eye. Consequently, voters never learn of the origins of the money used in financing election activities. This is less than ideal for an electoral system in a country that has experienced nascent democracy.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Why Disclose?</strong></div>
<div>
Disclosure helps prevent financial abuse during election and is necessary to promote healthy political competition.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
We need a body akin to what was set up in the U.S. under the Federal Election Campaign Act 1974. An agency called the Federal Election Commission supervises all financial transactions by political bodies that have solicited or spent money to support or defeat federal candidates. The organisation verifies all reports presented and discloses the same to the public. The Election Commission in Nepal should be empowered to do exactly the same.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Political parties, on the other hand, should pledge to introduce a law to ban anonymous donations and formalise a common minimum understanding for regarding the public disclosure of their income and expenditure. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
An undisclosed contribution from any party is not a good sign as contributors will want returns from concerned political parties and anonymity will allow them to take advantage of the political affiliation. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Past experience shows that undisclosed contributions can fuel ‘policy corruption’ as the government compensates its financial contributors while introducing the budget. Undisclosed contribution often raises questions as to whether political parties benefit from influence peddling, organised crime or drug trafficking.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Terrorised Business Community?</strong></div>
<div>
Principally, a major share of funding should come from voluntary contributions but that is not happening in Nepal. Forceful donation drives by political parties has become a common phenomenon and has terrorised the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Some businessmen have even revealed in public that all revenue frauds committed by them is a result of heavy donations to political parties. According to them, they are facing problems in adjusting donation funds in the balance sheet during the auditing process.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Transparency in donation would help boost the morale of the business community that has been forced to donate with such conditions that they could not keep any record of the money dispensed. Political parties should now ensure that the election is not an event meant for terrorising the business community.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>But they aren’t so clean </strong></div>
<div>
The business fraternity, however, is not clean of controversy. Multi-billion Value Added Tax (VAT) scandals, adulteration in food products and other unethical business practices have been growing in the country and successive governments have failed to take action against even a single corporate house. Renowned faces from the business community entered the last CA representing different political parties. This clearly showed that they want political protection to go ahead in their business undisturbed. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<strong>A Silver Lining </strong></div>
<div>
In a commendable move, however, the Nepali Congress recently promised that it is ready to reveal its sources of funds for the coming elections by accept ing donations through cheque only. This announcement may have provided relief to the business community. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The announcement has provided a strong ground for the business community to bring this issue to the public domain. Other political parties, as public institutions, should be proactive to disclose their information and arrange for regular briefings using various information demystification channels.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Routing money through bank accounts can also improve the identification of contributors which is important for monitoring limits as well as identity of sources.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Nepal needs to set up a mechanism to ensure the transparency of party funds. The present opportunity and its timing can be used to initiate this much-needed change.</div>
<div>
<em>(The writer tweets @siromanid)</em></div>',
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