New Delhi: In a bid to improve the transparency of finances of political parties, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday announced the launch of a portal for parties to submit required annual reports. In the statement, the poll panel said, “Political parties registered with the ECI are required to submit annual audit report, annual contribution report and expenditure report of all donations above Rs 20,000 after every election.” Portal, iems.eci. gov.
It added that it would be used for submission of contribution report, audited annual accounts and election expenditure statement. Political parties who do not intend to file the financial report through online mode shall give reasons in writing for not doing so and may continue to file. Report in hard copy format along with CD or pen drive in the prescribed format.
“The Commission shall publish all such reports online, along with the justification letter sent by the party for not filing the financial statements online,” the EC said. said in a statement. In a letter to political parties, the commission said the move has been taken with the twin objectives of removing difficulties in filing physical reports and ensuring timely filing in a standardized format.
It said that the portal will facilitate. Online filing of contribution report, audited annual account and election expenditure statement by political parties. As per the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and the transparency guidelines issued by the Commission from time to time, political parties are required to submit these financial statements to the Election Commission/Chief Electoral Officers of the States/UTs.
“The online availability of the data is expected to increase the level of compliance and transparency. In the letter, the Election Commission pointed out the important position of political parties, and stressed that they have an obligation to adhere to it,” the poll panel said.
principles of democratic functioning and transparency in electoral processes, especially in financial disclosures,” the EC said. Online report filing. To provide further guidance on online filing, the Election Commission will also organize a practical training program for nominees of various political parties.
