Discussions with political parties at the Election Commission

Election Commission, Nepal

Kathmandu, October 16 — The Election Commission of Nepal has initiated formal discussions with political parties in preparation for the upcoming election of the House of Representatives, scheduled for Falgun 21.

For the first time ahead of this election, the Commission held a meeting with representatives from various political parties today. The session took place at the Commission's office and was chaired by Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari.

Commissioner Bhandari informed party representatives that those wishing to contest the election must register their parties with the Commission before mid-Kartik (mid-November). Furthermore, all participating parties are required to obtain their party registration certificate no later than Kartik 30.

“New parties must register with the Election Commission and obtain their certificates before mid-Kartik 2082 BS. Only those who secure their registration before Kartik 30 will be eligible to compete in the Falgun 21 election,” Bhandari stated.

So far, 122 political parties have been registered with the Commission, with additional parties currently in the registration process. Only those parties that are registered by mid-October, have received official certificates, and have submitted their manifestos and programs will be allowed to compete in the upcoming elections.

The Commission had sent invitations for the discussion to all parties that had representation in the now-dissolved House of Representatives or had won at least one ward seat in the last local election.

Prominent figures attending the meeting included:

• Min Bishwakarma, Chief of the Publicity Department, Nepali Congress

• Guru Baral, Vice President, CPN-UML

• Dev Gurung, Secretariat Member, CPN (Maoist Centre)

• Kabindra Burlakoti, General Secretary, National Independent Party (RASWPA)

• Rajendra Prasad Pandey, Senior Vice President, CPN (Unified Socialist)
  along with other party representatives.

During the meeting, Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari encouraged all parties to begin active preparations, emphasizing that with the election date announced, the environment must now be cultivated to ensure a fair and participatory electoral process.

This election follows significant political developments after the Genji Movement of Bhadra 23 and 24, which led to the formation of a new government under former Chief Justice Karki and the dissolution of the previous House of Representatives. The election for the reconstituted House has been officially scheduled for Falgun 21.