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The newly introduced web portal allows political parties to file three types of reports: Contribution Report, Audited Annual Account, and Election Expenditure Statements.
NEW DELHI: In a move towards promoting transparency and compliance, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the initiation of a new web portal for online filing of financial accounts by political parties. In letters addressed to all political parties, the ECI highlighted the significance of this measure in enhancing transparency and streamlining the reporting process.
The newly introduced web portal allows political parties to file three types of reports: Contribution Report, Audited Annual Account, and Election Expenditure Statements. The decision to establish this online platform aims to address the challenges faced by parties when submitting physical reports and ensure timely filing in a standardized format.
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By facilitating the online filing of financial accounts, this initiative not only eases the burden on political parties but also ensures the timely submission of financial statements in the prescribed and standardized formats. In the letters sent to political parties, the ECI emphasized the pivotal role of political parties and stressed the importance of adhering to democratic principles and transparent electoral processes, particularly regarding financial disclosures.
However, political parties that opt not to file their financial reports online will be required to provide written justification to the Commission. In such cases, the parties can continue filing their reports in hard copy along with CDs/Pen drives in the prescribed formats. The Commission will then publish these reports online, along with the party’s justification letter.
To assist political parties in navigating the online portal, the ECI will organize training sessions, providing a manual and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide for parties to better understand the platform’s usage.
Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the transparency guidelines issued by the ECI over the years, political parties are mandated to submit financial statements to the Election Commission or the Chief Electoral Officers of their respective states/union territories.
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The introduction of online filing for financial accounts marks a significant step towards enhancing transparency in political party finances, streamlining the reporting process, and ensuring greater compliance with electoral regulations.
