KATHMANDU, Dec 14: With just 81 days remaining until the House of Representatives election, the country is gradually shifting into full-fledged election mode, as political activities intensify across the nation. The Election Commission (EC) has been carrying out necessary preparations and has already completed the party registration process for both the first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems.
The government has also finalized arrangements and facilitation required for the polls, while political parties have stepped up election-focused activities. From major parties to newly formed ones, nationwide campaigns have begun, reflecting a growing electoral atmosphere across the country.
The Nepali Congress (NC) has started selecting candidates nationwide and forwarding their names to the central leadership. The party is finalizing candidates under both the direct and proportional systems and has also begun selecting candidates for the National Assembly. Compared to other parties, the Congress appears to be ahead in the candidate selection process.
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Meanwhile, the CPN-UML’s 11th general convention began on Saturday. Addressing the inaugural session, party chair KP Sharma Oli questioned whether the UML would shy away from elections if they were held free from pressure and vendetta, asserting the party’s capacity to secure a majority in a fair contest. He emphasized the need for the government to ensure an independent and impartial electoral environment and encouraged political activities. The UML has completed party registration and other procedures within the EC’s stipulated deadline.
Similarly, the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), formed through the unification of various communist factions, has intensified election-centered activities nationwide through its “message assemblies.” The party organized a mass meeting in Birendranagar, Surkhet, on Saturday and has already held similar assemblies in Dhangadhi, Dang, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Janakpur. The NCP is scheduled to hold another message assembly in Kathmandu on December 20. Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal reiterated in Surkhet that the election must be held on the scheduled date and said the party is already active in that direction.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party has also moved ahead with preparations, including drafting its election manifesto and initiating candidate selection. The party has opened applications for proportional representation candidates and is conducting election-focused activities through meetings and assemblies.
For the election scheduled on March 5, the Election Commission has begun determining proportional representation quotas based on population. Percentages are being allocated for Dalits, Indigenous Nationalities, Khas Arya, Madhesi, Tharu, Muslim, and other groups in accordance with constituency arrangements.
A total of 100 political parties will participate under the proportional representation system. The EC confirmed that these parties have been registered and assigned election symbols. Although 100 parties applied, some opted to contest using joint election symbols, resulting in 93 symbols being finalized. Under the direct election system, 114 political parties will take part. The EC is also drafting the election code of conduct and collecting feedback.
On the government’s recommendation, President Ramchandra Paudel has already approved the mobilization of the Nepal Army for election security. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal stated that the Home Ministry has completed necessary preparations to ensure peace, security, and a free, fair, and fearless electoral environment.
