Candidates Ordered to Submit Election Expense Reports

The Election Commission (EC) has formally requested that all candidates who contested the 13th National Parliament elections submit their detailed election expenditure reports to the respective Returning Officers.

The directive was conveyed through a letter signed by ASM Iqbal Hasan, Senior Assistant Secretary of the EC Secretariat, which was sent to all Returning Officers nationwide. The communication emphasises compliance with Section 44(g) of the Representation of the People Order, 1972, which mandates that all contesting candidates submit their expense returns within 30 days of the gazette publication of the elected candidates’ names.

For the 13th National Parliament elections, the official gazette containing the names and addresses of the elected members was published on 13 February 2026. In accordance with Circular-18, issued specifically for the 13th parliamentary elections, Returning Officers are requested to ensure that all rival candidates submit their expenditure reports promptly.

Furthermore, the EC has instructed that the submitted expenditure reports of all competing candidates must be forwarded to the Election Commission by 25 March 2026. This measure aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process and to maintain a clear record of election-related financial activities.

Key Deadlines and Requirements

The EC reiterated that strict adherence to these rules is essential to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. Candidates who fail to submit their expenditure statements within the prescribed timeline may face legal consequences, as mandated under the Representation of the People Order.

This exercise forms part of the EC’s broader effort to ensure transparency in election financing and to provide citizens with a reliable record of political campaign expenditures across the country.