16 days left for elections: Number of candidates opening bank account on the rise
The number of candidates opening bank accounts for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) polls has gradually increased. The Election Commission (EC) has made a mandatory provision for candidates to open accounts in the bank and financial institutions (BFIs) to keep records of entire financial transactions of candidates for the election purpose. As of now, 671 candidates have submitted their bank accounts to the EC, according to the EC's Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai. As per the election laws, the political parties and candidates contesting the HoR elections scheduled for March 5 should spend their money only through the banking channel, a tool to ensure transparency in electoral spending. Secretary at the EC, Krishna Bahadur Raut, said that some candidates from the remote districts including Kalikot have already submitted their bank account at the EC and expected the candidates from other districts to open and submit their bank account details.
Australia, Ireland out of T20 World Cup as Zim qualify after washout
The 2021 champions Australia were knocked out of the T20 World Cup on Tuesday, with Zimbabwe qualifying for the Super Eights after their match against Ireland was washed out without a ball being bowled in Kandy, Reuters reported. Zimbabwe joined Sri Lanka as qualifiers from Group B and will move on to face the West Indies, India and South Africa in the next phase. Ireland were also eliminated. Persistent drizzle all day at the Pallekelle stadium kept the covers on and the umpires finally called it off at 5:30 pm local time (1200 GMT) with no prospect of beginning the minimum five-over match before the 6:10 pm cut-off time.
