UML Leader Objects to Being Placed on the Election Commission’s Blacklist

Kathmandu — Former minister and CPN-UML leader Rajkumar Gupta has objected to the Election Commission’s decision to place him on its blacklist, citing failure to submit and publicly disclose election expenditure details from the 2079 BS House of Representatives election.

Gupta stated that despite submitting his election expense details within the stipulated time and making them public through social media, the Commission still blacklisted him. He said that placing his name on the blacklist even after completing all legal procedures weakens public trust in the democratic process.

“I submitted my election expense details to the Election Commission through my representatives within the prescribed deadline on Mangsir 25, 2079, and also made them public via social media on Baisakh 21, 2080,” Gupta said. “Being blacklisted despite fully complying with the law is a matter that undermines confidence in the democratic process.”

Calling it unfortunate that his name appeared on the Commission’s blacklist, he also made public the registration number of the application he filed at the Election Commission’s office. He urged the Election Commission, as a constitutional body, to always remain sensitive and responsible and not to take decisions arbitrarily.

“No candidate’s political rights should be curtailed due to technical shortcomings. I trust that the Commission will immediately review the facts and evidence and correct the mistake,” he said. 

He further urged the Commission to rectify the details in time, warning that misinformation in a politically sensitive district like Parsa could negatively affect the election environment.

As the February 21 election approaches, the Commission has publicly disclosed that more than two dozen candidates—including four former ministers and members of the House of Representatives—are on the blacklist. Those listed will not be allowed to contest the House of Representatives election scheduled for February 21.

Under existing provisions, candidates are required to submit their publicly disclosed election expenditure details to the district and provincial offices of the Election Commission or to its central office. 

Candidates must also provide proof to the Commission showing where the details were publicly displayed—such as on social media, notice boards, public walls, or other public places—so that voters can view them.