Barbara Adams Talk Series on the cost of expensive elections on democracy

The ninth episode of the Barbara Adams Talk Series was organized on April 28, 2022 at I.L.A Conference Hall, Kupondole on the issue of expensive election and its impact on democracy.

The talk series was titled “The cost of expensive elections on democracy”, and was organized to deliberate on and provide key information, issues and insights on the increasing expenses of elections and its devastating impacts on democracy and society.

The esteemed panel guests of this talk series were journalist Mr. Hari Bahadur Thapa; Advocate Ms. Mohna Ansari; Diplomat Mr. Kedar Bhakta Mathema; Fmr. Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Bhoj Raj Pokhrel; Fmr. Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Nilkantha Uprety and Fmr. Election Commissioner Ms. Ila Sharma.

The program was divided into two segments.  In the first segment, Mr. Hari Bahadur Thapa gave the detail history of the ever increasing cost of election and how it has changed from the past. He also provided details on the composition and background of candidates that stand for election and the amount of money spend by some of them.

Ms. Mohna Ansari focused on the need of inclusiveness in election and the different level of sacrifice a male and a female candidate needs to make. She also highlighted how lack of money and the ever increasing cost of election make female candidates unable to stand in the election.

Mr. Kedar Bhakta Mathema focused on the need of having financial transparency from political parties and candidate which will help in creating a good culture. He also stressed the fact that money can buy candidacy and even win the election which is dangerous for a democracy.

The second segment of the talk series was focused on the discussion between Fmr. Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Bhoj Raj Pokhrel; Fmr. Chief Election Commissioner Mr. Nilkantha Uprety and Fmr. Election Commissioner Ms. Ila Sharma. This segment was moderated by journalist Mr. Kiran Nepal. Mr. Bhoj Raj Pokhrel talked about the work of election commission and the need of separate commission to monitor the election activities and to maintain transparency. He also provided solutions to decrease election expenses by having the candidate submit the source of election expenses and making candidates unable to fight the next election if they do not submit their sources of fund.

Mr. Nilkantha Uprety talked about the need of changing the way we do elections with the use of technologies. He also suggested on removing Myadi Police as significant amount is spent on the security of election.

Ms. Ila Sharma highlighted the importance of media during elections and how they should be neutral while reporting and show stories from all sides. She suggested the need of dedicated personnel whose work will be to focus only on the elections. This will help in creating election expenses more transparent.

The talk series was broadcasted live from the Foundation’s official facebook page.