The Election Commission has confirmed that 114 political parties will take part in the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21. According to spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, 120 parties had submitted applications, of which 102 chose to contest the election independently under their own names and election symbols. All of those applications have been approved.
Another 12 parties had applied to compete jointly by sharing single election symbols within their respective groups. The Commission has authorized these parties to participate using five shared symbols, based on the group arrangements they proposed.
Bhattarai said the 114 participating parties will use a total of 107 election symbols in the parliamentary race. With all valid applications cleared, the Commission has asked the parties to move ahead with their election preparations.
Proportional Representation Process Begins
The Election Commission has also started the process for the proportional representation (PR) system of the House of Representatives election. Parties intending to participate under the PR category may submit their applications until Tuesday. According to the Commission, the applications will be reviewed and finalized by Mangsir 26.
Parties must submit their closed PR candidate lists on Poush 13 and 14. The Commission has reminded political parties that at least 50 percent of the candidates on these lists must be women, as required by law. Candidate nominations for the first-past-the-post (FPTP) category will take place on Magh 6.
Parties Intensify Preparations Nationwide
Inclusive Socialist Party Chairperson Numa Limbu said her party has expanded its organizational structure across provinces, districts, municipalities, and wards as part of its election planning. She added that the party aims to ensure participation from women, minority communities, indigenous groups, and individuals from the entertainment sector.
Nepal Workers and Peasants Party Secretary Prem Suwal said the party continues to prioritize free education and free healthcare in its agenda. He noted that the party is actively engaged in the PR process with a focus on citizen-centered issues. Meanwhile, the number of parties visiting the Election Commission to submit PR applications has risen sharply as the deadline approaches.
