Poll panel tells parties to file accounts online for more transparency

The Election Commission of India (EC) has asked all political parties to file their financial accounts online to the poll panel on a newly launched portal to ensure greater transparency and timely financial disclosure by them.

The annual contribution report, audited annual account and election expenditure statement of political parties, which are required to be submitted as per the Representation of People's Act, 1951, and transparency guidelines of the poll panel will now be filed to the portal https://iems.eci.gov.in/.

The idea is as much to facilitate political parties in overcoming the difficulties in physical filing of reports and ensuring timely filing of financial statements in the prescribed and standardised formats, as also to enhance the level of compliance and transparency, an EC statement said.

The poll panel has written to all political parties on the matter, reminding them to ensure financial disclosures in keeping with the principles of democratic functioning and transparency in electoral processes.

While it will not be mandatory for political parties to take the online route, they will be required to explain in writing the reasons for not filing financial disclosure reports online.