A representation image of the Election Commission (Credits: Doordarshan)
In order to increase transparency in the system the government has introduced an online filing system for the accounts of political parties. These parties will now be able to file financial accounts online. The election commission has developed a web portal for the same.
In a press note, the office informed, “Political parties will now be able to file financial accounts online. The Election Commission has developed a web portal for filing three details- submitting contribution reports, auditing annual accounts, and election expenditure details. The measure has been enabled with the launch of a new web portal (https://iems.eci.gov.in/) to facilitate these things.”
Notably, these financial statements are required to be submitted by political parties to the Election Commission/Chief Electoral Officers of States/Union Territories, as per the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 & transparency guidelines issued by the Commission, from time to time, over the last many years.
The Commission has informed about this through a written letter to all political parties.
It is noteworthy that, the commission has two objectives behind this decision. One is to remove filing difficulties, and the other is to ensure the timely filing of accounts in a standardised format. According to the commission, the online availability of data is expected to increase compliance and transparency.
For this, an online portal and a manual explaining the practical usage and frequently asked questions have also been prepared. Training sessions will be organised by the commission for the teams of respective parties.
The online availability of the data is expected to enhance the level of compliance and transparency. The online portal also has a facility for sending reminders in the form of messages on the registered mobile number and registered emails of the authorised representatives of the political party so that the dates of compliance are not missed.
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