In an effort to ensure financial transparency of political parties, the Election Commission has launched a web portal that will allow parties to file their financial accounts—contribution report, audited annual account and election expenditure statements—online.
The Commission has in a letter to political parties said the step has been taken with the twin objectives of overcoming difficulties in filing physical reports, and to ensure timely filing in a standardised format. The EC has launched a new web portal for the purpose, which will now allow parties to file their financial statements completely through the online mode.
As per the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 and the transparency guidelines issued by the Commission from time to time over the years, parties are required to submit to the EC their contribution report, audited annual account and election expenditure statement.
The online availability of the data, according to the EC, is expected to enhance the level of compliance and transparency. In the letter, the Commission pointed to the pivotal position of political parties, and stressed that it is incumbent on them to adhere to the principles of democratic functioning and transparency in electoral processes, particularly in financial disclosures.
The online portal also has a facility for sending reminders in the form of messages on the registered mobile number and registered emails of the authorised representatives of the political party so that the dates of compliance are not missed.
A comprehensive guiding manual with graphical representations, and FAQs have also been sent to the parties explaining the online module and the process of filing reports online. The EC would also organise a hands-on training programme for the designated persons from various parties.
According to an EC official, what makes the step truly significant is that parties not wishing to file the financial report through the online mode will have to convey the reasons for not doing so and may continue to file their reports in physical form. The Commission will, in turn, publish all such reports online, along with a letter of justification sent by the party for not filing financial statements online.
