EC issues gazette detailing authorised expenditure by each candidates

The Election Commission today issued a gazette notification setting the ceiling on expenditure per voter by each candidate contesting the presidential election.

Each candidate is authorized to incur a sum not exceeding Rs.109 per elector for the purpose of election propaganda activities.

Accordingly, the maximum amount that could be incurred by a candidate is around Rs. 1.86 billion  of which 60% (around Rs. 1.1 billion) can be incurred by each candidate for propaganda activities.

The secretary of the recognized political party or other political party or the elector who nominated the candidate, is authorized to incur 40% ( around Rs.743 million)  for propaganda activities of the candidate.

The election expenditure reports should be prepared, and handed over to the Election Commission by the recognized political party, other political party, electors who nominated the candidate attestation of the signature of the candidate by Commissioner of Oaths or Justice of the Peace within a period of twenty one (21) days from the date of declaration of results of the election.

This report should include  an estimated cost of all donations and contributions, accepted or received in cash or kind by such recognized or other political party or candidate, stating whether they are donations, loans, advances or deposits along with the  name, address and number of NIC, TIN of the IRD or the registration number of the donor, contributor, or the institution incorporated or un-incorporated, who made the donation or contribution.

This report should also include expenditure on all media activities (propaganda notices, handbills, posters, banners, pictures, photographs advertisements etc.), radio and television programs,  news bulletins, magazines, periodicals, social media, digital exposes or any other digital media or  publications and supply of fuel to vehicles.

It should also include  transport costs of the candidate and costs on stationery, telephone charges or any other communication mode.