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A total of 85 candidates listed in different political parties' closed list in the proportional representation (PR) electoral system for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) polls withdrew their names on Monday. 

According to the Election Commission (EC), the candidates included in the closed list submitted by the political parties on December 28 and 29 withdrew their names as per the deadline set for Monday.

The EC stated that 21 candidates of Janata Samajbadi Party and 20 candidates of Janamat party withdrew their names from the closed list of the PR electoral system.

Likewise, the candidates of CPN-UML, Nepali Communist Party, Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party and Rastriya Prajatantra Party also withdrew their names.  

The Janata Samajwadi Party and Loktantrik Samajwadi Party withdrew some of the candidates' names for the fresh management in the list following the two parties' merger.  

The EC has stated that there could be slight changes in the parties' closed list in the final announcement of the candidates' closed list.

The closed list will be made public on January 18 for any protests or claims, which will be investigated and the final list shall be published on February 3.

A total of 64 political parties had submitted their closed list in the EC for the HoR elections scheduled for March 5. 

Out of 64 political parties, 54 political parties are using their own election symbols while remaining 10 parties would use a common election symbol.

Of the total 275 seats, 110 MPs will be elected from the PR electoral system while 165 MPs will be elected from the first past the post electoral system.   

A total of 93 political parties had filed applications in the EC to file candidacy under the PR system. 

The EC had given time to the political parties from January 5-11 to make corrections after investigating the closed lists of the parties on January 4.

The afternoon of 13 Dec 2024, will be remembered as a significant milestone in the history of Gautam Buddha International Airport, Bhairahawa, due to the arrival of an Air China Airbus A320. This event was a historic achievement, as it marked the landing of a large-capacity aircraft at the newly established international airport. The chartered flight transported 227 Buddhist pilgrims from China to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, where they engaged in worship and prayer to promote global peace. The successful operation of such a large aircraft at Gautam Buddha International Airport not only demonstrated the airport’s technical capabilities but also affirmed its readiness to accommodate international flights of similar capacity.

Recognition of potential

Local entrepreneurs, associations, hoteliers, transportation providers, hospitality service providers, and gift shop operators expressed optimism and enthusiasm about offering services to international visitors. There is a shared confidence within the tourism sector that pilgrims and tourists from around the world will continue to visit Lumbini. The event was further celebrated by representatives from security, customs, and civil aviation authorities, marking a significant milestone in the development of Gautam Buddha International Airport as a center for tourism and aviation progress. The surrounding infrastructure meets international standards, reflecting the airport’s preparedness to serve high-end international travelers.

Gautam Buddha International Airport holds a unique position as the first facility dedicated to serving Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, a figure of profound spiritual significance worldwide. Observers, including Air China crew members and pilgrims, shared emotional reflections upon disembarking, emphasizing the spiritual importance of this pilgrimage. An interaction with Air China staff highlighted their view of the airport as a world-class facility, and they expressed hope for regular flights connecting Beijing with Lumbini, viewing this as a milestone for Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural exchange.

Pilgrims expressing deep devotion and emotional fulfillment upon reaching Lumbini underscore the destination’s spiritual resonance and its capacity to attract visitors from around the globe. Such expressions exemplify Lumbini’s significance and its potential to welcome and inspire a diverse international audience.

On the same day, in Kathmandu, the Nanhai Roundtable Meeting took place, involving approximately 300 participants from over 28 countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asian nations, Russia, and others. The event included high-level officials, diplomats, and representatives, serving as a vital platform for fostering international relations and economic cooperation. The event also generated considerable economic activity and underscored China’s friendship with Nepal, as China chose Nepal as the host country. It was an opportunity to promote Nepal’s profile globally.

However, the lack of active engagement by Nepalese institutions, such as the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Lumbini Development Trust, and Nepal Tourism Board, was a concern. Their minimal participation during the event reflected a missed opportunity to showcase Lumbini’s cultural and economic importance on the world stage.

Infrastructure challenges

Despite decades of development efforts, Lumbini still faces significant infrastructural challenges. The area is plagued by poorly maintained walkways, litter, dusty roads, and inadequate sewage facilities, all of which undermine the sanctity and appeal of this globally significant spiritual destination. Additionally, initiatives such as electric buses introduced to improve visitor mobility remain inoperative, highlighting inefficiencies within the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT). Although a comprehensive master plan was established in 1978, little has been achieved in terms of development and upgrading the site to attract international visitors over the past several decades. The absence of innovative planning and strategic action has left Lumbini’s tremendous tourism potential largely unrealized.

To maximize the region’s prospects, the Nepalese government must prioritize developing a comprehensive business plan for Gautam Buddha International Airport that integrates tourism destination marketing, emphasizing Lumbini’s religious importance alongside Nepal’s natural attractions, such as the Himalayan peaks. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and international partners can transform Lumbini into a thriving tourism hub, leveraging its spiritual heritage to attract worldwide visitors.

There is considerable potential for Lumbini to become a prominent destination in spiritual tourism, capitalizing on global interest in Buddhist pilgrimage and cultural heritage. Immediate project initiation and strategic investment are essential to realize this potential, positioning Lumbini and Gautam Buddha International Airport as centers where heritage, religion, and economic development harmoniously converge to foster a prosperous Nepal.

Strategic advancements

In a recent public event in Kathmandu, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Nepal's economic development to enhance the well-being of the Nepalese people. Ambassador Chen emphasized China’s readiness to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance socio-economic progress through strategic initiatives.

A notable milestone in this partnership is the commencement of Air China flights connecting Beijing with Lumbini. This development signifies improved connectivity, facilitating greater trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. Enhanced air links not only bring China and Nepal closer but also open avenues for economic growth, especially in tourism and commerce.

China has historically been a key development partner for Nepal, offering opportunities for integration across trade, tourism, and infrastructure sectors. Strengthening these relationships can serve as catalysts for Nepal’s continued development, such as establishing economic hubs, expanding Nepalese exports to China, and increasing visitors to culturally significant sites like Lumbini.

Given Lumbini’s cultural and spiritual importance, there is immense potential to develop it into an international tourism hub, particularly attracting Chinese visitors. To realize these opportunities, Nepal must adopt dynamic leadership and forward-looking policies. Implementing transformative strategies, covering bilateral relations, infrastructure development, and policy reforms, will be crucial in unlocking the region's full economic potential and establishing Nepal as a central node for cultural, religious, and economic exchange in the region.

Candidates listed in political parties’ closed lists under the proportional representation (PR) system for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections can withdraw their names until 4 pm today.

According to the Election Commission (EC), the candidates included in the closed list submitted by the political parties on December 28 and 29 could withdraw their names as per the deadline set for today.

The Commission will inform the concerned party about the candidate who has applied to be withdrawn and the party will be allowed to send the name of another candidate.

The closed list will be made public on January 18 for objections and claims, which will be investigated and the final list shall be published on February 3.

A total of 64 political parties had submitted their closed lists in the EC.

Names of 3,424 candidates of 64 parties have been included in the closed list for 110 places under the PR system. Out of 64 political parties, 54 political parties are using their own election symbols while remaining 10 parties would use a common election symbol.

A total of 93 political parties had filed applications in the EC to file candidacy under the PR system.

The EC had given time to the political parties from January 5-11 to make corrections after investigating the closed lists of the parties on January 4.

As we say goodbye to 2025, we commemorate the 70th anniversary of China-Nepal diplomatic relations. Looking forward to 2026, the two neighboring countries linked by mountains and rivers will enhance meaningful engagement based on mutual trust and mutual benefit. 

Nepal and China share not just borders, also friendship for ages and aspirations for shared prosperity. The bilateral relationship, formally established on 1 Aug 1955, represents a model of neighborly diplomacy founded on principles of mutual respect and sovereignty. It has evolved from initial ties and fortification of friendship in the 1950s to 1970s to enhanced engagement in the 1980s and 1990s. The first two decades of this century saw a pragmatic expansion, culminating in a significant strategic elevation in 2019. A landmark visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Nepal that year underscored this evolution, resulting in the designation of bilateral relationship as a “Strategic Partnership of Cooperation for Everlasting Friendship and Development,” marking bilateral relations as mature and dynamic.

At the turn of history to the future, 2026 is critical for both countries domestically and internationally.  The people of Nepal could decide on more sustainable national goals and policies for political stability and prosperity through the 2026 election, which was announced following the GenZ-led mass movement (as defined by the Nepal government). People are expecting a new government responding to public demands for change and fostering federal democracy while enhancing governance and economic development. This year, China also initiated its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) focused on transitioning to an innovation-led economy and enhancing social welfare. As both nations are developing countries and share an amicable historical ties, they reaffirm not just neighborly relations but a dedicated partnership towards a shared future, illustrating a commitment to mutual prosperity and stability.

China’s stance of sovereign equality and non-interference in Nepal’s domestic politics has strengthened the relationship, while Nepal has continuously adhered to the One-China principle. The economic links, which date back to the ancient Silk Road, were institutionalized with the 1956 Economic Aid Treaty and continue under the Framework Agreements for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) collaboration. BRI collaboration intends to meet Nepal’s development needs, particularly in infrastructure, energy, transportation, tourism, and the digital sector. In recent years, China has emerged as Nepal’s primary source of foreign direct investment (FDI) and commercial partner, with bilateral trade expected to reach $2.16bn by 2024-2025 fiscal year. This demonstrates our growing interdependence and mutual cooperation for the benefit of the people in our respective countries.

In light of these significant developments, Nepal is encouraged to identify its national objectives, policies, and also policies regarding relationships with neighbors and friends. China, an all-weather friend of Nepal, is ready to support Nepal’s journey toward political stability and prosperity. Chinese President Xi Jinping has highlighted a Chinese belief system that is consistent with the Chinese government’s policy motto, ‘common prosperity’, which holds that the countries of a region should work together for common development and common prosperity. 

We believe that if a country desires for stability and prosperity, no nation can continue to experiment with politics every other decade. Therefore, 2026 should be a pivotal year for Nepal to concretize its sustainable national goals, governance model, and implementable policies that can address the aspirations of the people of all generations in the country. Once Nepal determines its objectives and policies, neighbors like China could be sources to help the nation achieve these goals while respecting political independence. The tie between China and Nepal, established over seven decades ago, underscores a commitment to shared goals and mutual progress between the two nations. As a neighbor, we are seeing silver linings in the existing political clouds in Nepal. 

The author is head of Center for Nepal Studies at East China University of Technology, Jiangxi China