B P Samantaray

\r\n

Bhubaneswar, 4th Sept 2016: The 12th State Level Convention of Odisha Election Watch depicting the theme “Transparency in finances of political parties & panchayat election 2017 – issues & concerns” was held on Sunday here. It was in collaboration with National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms.

\r\n

If the parties claim to be doing public service by contesting elections, it is very worrying that 80% of their funds is unknown. It is not a very healthy state of affair when the parties finances are not in public domain. More turn over in ethical voting and increased youth participation in the voting process can bring about a great difference, dignitaries at the event said.

\r\n

Similarly, emphasis should be led on awareness of voters as well as political parties on the panchayat election process and procedures, they said.