Election spending must be controlled to reduce corruption: Debapriya

Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya, Fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, has expressed concern over candidates’ election expenditure, saying corruption cannot be reduced unless election spending is brought under control.

He made the remarks on December 24 at a roundtable discussion on progress in electoral system reform, organised by Citizens for Good Governance, Sujan, at the CIRDAP auditorium on Topkhana Road in the capital.

Dr Debapriya said nomination trading has already led to a significant rise in election costs, and stressed the need for effective initiatives by both the Election Commission and political parties to address the situation.

He added that questions remain about the quality of the election even if it is held. He said the Election Commission should, if possible, ensure transparency by disclosing what candidates have done against the commitments they made before the election.

According to Dr Debapriya, justice, reform and elections are the three most important issues in the post-uprising period, and the time has now come to demonstrate national unity ahead of the upcoming election.

Referring to public concern over security, he said many people feel afraid while going to vote, and there is also anxiety about how long security arrangements will remain normal after the election.

He further said many weapons looted after August 5 have not yet been recovered, and there are reports of arms entering the country from across the border. In this situation, law enforcement agencies must play a stronger role in recovering illegal weapons.