NA members criticize former ministers for contesting elections
National Assembly (NA) members have criticized four former ministers of the incumbent government, who were mandated to conduct the elections, for deciding to contest in the polls themselves.
Speaking at a special session of the upper house on Tuesday, lawmakers said the four ministers had deviated from their responsibilities by entering the electoral race. They expressed concern that such a move raises serious moral questions about the credibility of the government.
Narayan Datta Bhatta said it was objectionable for ministers of a civic or interim government to contest elections, adding that such a tendency appeared to be driven by a desire to access state power.
Similarly, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota said the four ministers had abandoned their moral responsibility by contesting the elections under their respective party banners.
Sumitra B.C. termed the move irresponsible, stating that ministers entrusted with conducting elections within six months of the Jana Andolan (People’s Movement) had failed in their duty by leaving their posts midway.
Shree Krishna Prasad Adhikari and Maya Prasad Sharma called for guarantees to ensure that the elections are conducted in a fair, impartial, and peaceful environment.
Meanwhile, Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar urged the incumbent government to focus on promoting good governance and controlling corruption.
FinMin Khanal calls for collective efforts to withdraw Nepal from FATF Gray List
Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal has said that it is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders and authorities to work toward removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Gray List related to money laundering issues.
Speaking at a program organized to mark the National Anti- Money Laundering Day - 2082 BS , themed “Money Laundering Prevention: Transparency and Fiscal Discipline,” the minister stressed the need to create a solid foundation for Nepal’s removal from the Gray List within a year by completing all required reform measures.
He said that the economic reform initiatives undertaken by the government are not driven by pressure or compulsion from the international community. Rather, the efforts aim to build corruption-free institutions, promote transparency and good governance, and strengthen the national economy.
According to the minister, initiatives to prevent money laundering do not impose additional economic burdens or unnecessary costs on the country.
He argued that the lower-than-expected inflow of foreign investment is due to weak confidence in Nepal’s financial system, underscoring the need to create an investment-friendly environment through reforms.
Expressing hope that the reform efforts would be completed by the end of 2026, the minister also called for greater effectiveness in investigation, prosecution, and action in money laundering cases.
He stressed that cases should be prepared with strong evidence and provisions for the prompt seizure of property.
The minister also raised concerns about transparency issues not only in the financial market but also in the capital market.
He said that a provision mandating the use of the banking system for corporate transactions exceeding Rs 500,000 thereby putting a ceiling on the cash transactions has been in effect since January 15.
However, he clarified that despite concerns raised by the private sector, the ceiling on cash transactions would not be increased.
NA election report presented to President Paudel
The report of the election of the National Assembly held on January 25 has been submitted to President Ram Chandra Paudel.
Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari presented the report to the President at a ceremony held at the Rastrapati Bhawan, Shital Niwas today.
High officials including the Commission's two commissioners Sagun Shamsher JBR and Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar, and Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut were present on the occasion.
36 days to go for voting: Officers assigned for monitoring election code of conduct
With 36 days left to go for voting in the elections to the House of Representatives (HoR), the Election Commission has assigned the officers for monitoring the election code of conduct.
EC Spokesperson Narayan Prsad Bhattarai informed that assistant chief district officer in each district has been assigned to monitor the enforcement of election code of conduct in a bid to ensure free and fair elections to HoR scheduled for March 5.
The assistant chief district officer is given such responsibility except financial aspect.
The officers from comptrollers' office are named as election monitors to look after the financial issues.
The election code of conduct is in force since January 18.
