A good number of candidates have not yet submitted statements of their assets and liabilities and sources of election expenses. The deadline fixed by the Election Commission for submission of statement expired on January 28.

An Election Commission source in Dhaka said they were still awaiting reports from returning officers. The reports are being mailed to the Chief Election Commissioner, the source said.'"

Chief Election Commit sioncr Mr. Justice M. A. Rouf has stated that non-submlsslon of statement of assets and liabilities and sources of fund for

election expenses would be considered a corrupt election practice. And the election tribunal will set aside election of such candidates.

The commission has raised the maximum limit of election expenses from Taka one lakh to Taka three lakh for each candidate, and personal expenses from Taka one thousand to Taka five thousand by amending the Representation of People Order. 1972.

The measure is intended to check unlimited spendings to buy votes with a view to ensuring free and fair elections. The . Chief Election Commissioner has said that control of muscle

power will be easier if unlimited spendings are not allowed.

The Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi told the Dally Star that only a couple of candidates out of 37 in the district did not submit statements by January 28. There are five constituencies in the district.

The Deputy Commissioner of Chandpur said one or two candidates in his district might not have submitted statements. In Chandpur 57 candidates arc contesting in four constituencies, he said.

The Deputy Commissioner of Fcnl said all but one candidate in his district have sub-milted statements A total of 28 candidates arc In the fray tn three Feni constituencies.

A Rangpur district administration source told The Daily Star that he was not sure If any candklalc had failed to submit statement In six constltuen cics of Rangpur 82 candidates are tn the fray. Former prcsl dent Ershad is contesting In five of the'constituencies.

An Election Commissioner souree said tlx- candidates will have to submit returns of their election expenses within 15 days of the holding of Ihc election. The commission has tightened regulations about election returns by requiring election agents of candidates to produce vouchers against expenses.

The source said the proce dure may sound simple, but In practice It would be difficult to suppress Informalion, because candidates themselves would keep watch on each other. If submission of false returns arc proved elections will be set aside by Ihc election tribunal un the charge of corrupt elec Hon practice, the source arli lx I