Election Cost Amounts to 284 Rupees Per Voter, Says Election Commission
News Summary
Prepared after review.
- The Election Commission announced that the cost per voter for the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21 was 284 rupees.
- For procurement of election materials, a cost-effective policy was followed by contracting with government-owned organizations.
- Election observation was conducted by 164 representatives from 22 diplomatic missions and 35 national non-governmental organizations.
March 19, Kathmandu – The Election Commission reported that the expenditure per voter for the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21 amounted to 284 rupees.
At a press conference held today, following submission of the comprehensive election report and results to President Ramchandra Paudel, Deputy Secretary and spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai revealed that the Commission adopted a policy of using previously procured materials to keep election costs economical.
He further explained that the procurement of election materials was carried out in a cost-efficient manner by contracting with government-owned organizations.
Among the 50 types of election materials, 37 types were purchased through provincial and district election offices, while 13 types were procured centrally by the Election Commission and then distributed to districts.
The Commission requested a budget of NPR 7.81 billion for election purposes. The Ministry of Finance approved a funding source of NPR 6.77 billion. Of this amount, NPR 3.54 billion has been spent so far.
Some outstanding payments remain for expenses already incurred, and the Commission has provided updates regarding these liabilities.
The election also involved domestic and international observers. Internationally, 164 representatives from 22 diplomatic missions and delegates from three international non-governmental organizations observed the process. Nationally, 35 non-governmental organizations participated in observation.
Expressing gratitude to all voters who participated in this representative democracy through exercising their franchise, the Commission acknowledged their role in electing representatives, participating in lawmaking, state operations, government formation, and governance.
The Election Commission also extended its thanks to the Government of Nepal, provincial and local governments, chief and district election officers, all security agencies, election staff and security personnel, political parties, candidates, voters, observers, the international community, media outlets, and journalists involved in successfully conducting the election.