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Amid growing debate and criticism over proportional representation (PR) closed lists, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane has said that names included outside established procedures would be removed.

“Some individuals who should not have been included have made it onto the list. If any name is found to be outside the prescribed process, it will be removed. I have already issued instructions,” Lamichhane said.

Following the statement, questions have been raised over whether political parties—including the RSP—can amend the PR closed lists submitted for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Specifically, questions have emerged on whether parties can revise submitted lists or withdraw and replace candidates.

According to the House of Representatives Proportional Representation Election Directive, 2082, amendments to submitted closed lists are allowed under specific conditions.

Legal provisions for amendment

Chapter 4 of the directive outlines provisions related to submission, correction, and amendment of PR closed lists. Clauses 13 to 32 specify procedures related to submission, candidate eligibility, verification, and revision of closed lists.

Clause 20 of the directive states that if, during scrutiny, a closed list is found to be inconsistent with the principles of proportional representation and inclusion, or fails to meet other prescribed requirements, the concerned political party will be instructed to correct the list.

Withdrawal and replacement of candidates

Clause 22 allows candidates included in the closed list to withdraw their candidacy within the timeframe specified in the election schedule. Upon receiving a withdrawal application, the election officer is required to remove the candidate’s name from the list and notify the concerned party.

Clause 23 further provides that after a candidate withdraws, the party may nominate another candidate within the stipulated time, subject to approval by its central committee, and submit the revised list to the Election Commission.

The law requires that any replacement candidate must belong to the same inclusive group as the candidate who withdrew. The replacement may be placed at the same ranking position or at the end of the closed list.

Scrutiny and objections

Once revised lists are submitted or if no revision is required, the election officer must publish the closed list on the Election Commission’s website and notice board. The law allows a seven-day period for filing objections if any candidate is found to lack qualifications under the Constitution or relevant laws. After reviewing complaints, the final closed list will be published.

Clause 19 of the directive details the scrutiny process, which includes verification of voter registration, compliance with inclusion and proportional representation requirements, group-wise representation percentages, gender representation (minimum 50 percent women in each inclusive group), representation from backward regions, inclusion of persons with disabilities, duplication of names, legal eligibility, and proper authorization by the party.

Election Commission Assistant Spokesperson Sita Pun Shrees stated that scrutiny of PR closed lists submitted by political parties has begun. She said parties failing to meet prescribed criteria would be instructed to correct their lists.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said that all weapons looted and those that went missing during the September 8–9 Gen Z movement will be retrieved, as well as prisoners who escaped during the same period will be detained before March 5, 2026, the announced date for elections to the House of Representatives (HoR).

Addressing today a Koshi Province-level security committee meeting jointly organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Koshi Province Ministry for Internal Affairs and Law, the Minister said that most of the absconding prisoners are already in contact with authorities, while the remaining will be brought under control soon through a special security campaign.

He said the government is seriously addressing the election-related security concerns raised by political parties, particularly regarding looted weapons and fugitives, adding that the security meeting is part of broader efforts to ensure the elections are held in a free, fair, and peaceful environment.

The Home Minister further stated that mechanisms have been developed to ensure the active involvement of provincial security agencies before, during, and after the election.

“Elections are a fundamental practice of democracy,” he said, adding that they empower citizens, mainstream their strength and legitimize governance. “Good governance cannot be established without elections. If we aspire to good governance, there is no alternative to elections.”

He added that the incumbent government, formed with a mandate to conduct elections and hand over the leadership to an elected government, is fully focused on holding the polls on the announced date in a neutral and impartial atmosphere.

On the occasion, Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki urged the non-party government to ensure a neutral conduct of the elections, adding that the election environment has yet to be fully established and must be guaranteed within the remaining two months.

He also called on the federal government to equip security forces with the necessary resources in view of the upcoming elections.

Senior officers of the Nepal Army, the chiefs of Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, the chief investigation director of the National Investigation Department, and security chiefs from all 14 districts of Koshi Province attended the meeting.

Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma left for Dhaka, Bangladesh, last night to attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Begum Khaleda Zia.

Sharma is paying his last respects on behalf of the government and the people of Nepal.

The Foreign Minister’s visit reflects Nepal’s deep respect for the late leader’s contributions to strengthening Nepal–Bangladesh relations during her three tenures as Prime Minister, said Foreign Ministry in a statement, adding that Minister Sharma would be accompanied by senior officials of the Foreign Ministry.

The Minister is scheduled to return home on January 1. 

A total of 64 political parties have submitted closed lists for the proportional representation election to the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for March 5.

Of the total, 54 submitted the closed lists with their own election symbols while 10 others in four common symbols, according to the Election Commission.

The Constitution of Nepal has the provision that 165 members of the HoR are elected under first past the post (direct election) and 110 under proportional representation.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has made public the list of documents required for the National Assembly election scheduled for January 25.