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The Election Commission has allocated the election symbols to the political parties that have registered with it for the House of Representatives (HoR) elections slated for March 5.

One hundred and twenty political parties had applied to participate in the House of Representatives elections.

According to the Election Commission's spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, 102 political parties have been provided with separate election symbols.

A joint election symbol has been provided to 12 political parties which applied to jointly participate in the election.

On this basis, the Commission has stated that a total of 107 election symbols have been provided. 

A total of 143 political parties are registered with the commission. 

The number of parties participating in the elections is 114. 

A total of 107 election symbols will be used for the elections.

The Election Commission (EC) has called on political parties willing to participate in the election under the proportional representation category to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5 to file applications.

Issuing a notice today, the EC urged the interested political parties to submit their applications from 10:00 am of December 7 to 4:00 pm of December 9 as per the approved election schedule.

The EC has already set up the office of Election Officer at its office, Kantipath, and EC Secretary Mahadev Pantha, has been assigned as election officer for this purpose.

It will publish the name list of political parties submitting their applications for proportional category from 10:00 am-4:00 pm on December 10.

The political parties filing their applications for proportional category should submit the closed list of their candidates on December 28 and 29 from 10:00 am-4:00 pm, shared EC Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai.  

As per the election program under the first-past-the-post election category, nomination of the candidates would be registered on January 20 and the list of candidates would be published on the same day. 

January 21 has been determined as the deadline to file complaints against candidates. 

The name list of candidates would be published on January 22. 

Candidates could withdraw their names on January 23 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and election symbols would be allocated to candidates after publishing the final name list of candidates on the same day.

Similarly, the EC has also been making preparations for the National Assembly election scheduled for January 25.

A total of 64 political parties have been registered so far for the elections to the House of Representatives slated for March 5.

According to the Election Commission, political parties registered for the HoR elections reached 64 after eight political parties were registered on Monday alone. 

The EC has set November 26 as the deadline for political parties willing to participate in the HoR elections to be registered for this purpose. 

A total of 12 political parties were registered on November 17, five on November 18, eight on November 19, eight on November 20, seven on November 21 and 16 on November 23. 

Nagarik Shakti Nepal, Nagarik Unmukti Party, Miteri Party Nepal, Pragatisheel Samajbadi Party, Nepal Communist Party (Maoist), Tarai-Madhes Loktantrik Party, Rastriya Sammunati Party, Janadesh Party, Nepal were registered on Monday. 

A total of 135 political parties have been registered in the EC, applications should be submitted again till November 26 for election purposes, added the EC.

The Election Commission (EC) has set the specified age for voters (cutoff date) for the House of Representatives elections to be held on March 5, 2026.

The EC has decided that the cutoff date for this purpose is March 4, 2026 for those who will complete 18 years of age by that date.

EC spokesperson  Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said that the particulars of those completing 18 years on coming March 4, 2026 would be published on the Commission's website on December 6, and the EC should be informed between December 17 and 13 if there are any errors or complaints on the same.

Spokesperson Bhattarai added that after the correction work is completed, the EC will publish the final voter list on December 30. 

The Election Commission has called on political parties wishing to participate in the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) and National Assembly (NA) elections to register.

The Commission issued a notice today stating that party registration is open from November 17 to 26 for the parties to register for participation in the HoR election and from November 17 to 23 for participation in the NA election. 

The notice states, "We request parties wishing to participate in the elections to submit an application to the Commission along with a copy of the decision made by the party's central committee, the annual audit report, and other necessary documents."

The Commission has stated that if two or more parties wish to contest the House of Representatives elections using the same election symbol, information regarding this must also be submitted along with the application. The notice states, "It is requested to submit the party's constitution, regulations and manifesto, a sample of the election symbol, and also its electronic copy."

Elections for one-third of the NA seats that will fall vacant from March 4, 2026 have been scheduled for January 25 and the elections to the Member of the House of Representatives have been set for March 5, 2026.

The number of political parties registered with the Election Commission has now exceeded 125, and the figure is likely to rise further, as the commission is currently reviewing around two dozen new applications. Following the youth-led protests of Sept 8–9, which toppled the major political parties from power, a new wave of actors, — including businessmen, independent politicians, celebrities, and others, have shown interest in entering politics. Since the announcement of elections for March 5, the EC has received 21 applications seeking party registration.

In the 2022 elections, 116 political parties were registered with the commission, though only 87 of them participated. Many of the new parties believe they can gain public support amid growing disillusionment with the mainstream political forces that have held power, in one way or another, since 1990. Their rhetoric is heavily anti-establishment, resonating with the agenda of the current government led by Sushila Karki, whose primary goal appears to be discrediting the traditional political parties.

The youth who led the September protests have also intensified anti-mainstream sentiment, supported by sections of the apolitical elite and intellectuals who feel sidelined by established parties. As a result, the registration of new political parties poses a direct challenge to the traditional political forces, the very targets of the Sept 8–9 violent protests.

However, most of these new parties lack a charismatic leader capable of mobilizing the masses, like Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane did in the 2022 national elections. They also lack the grassroots organizational structures needed to reach rural voters,  a limitation that even RSP faced, as its support base remained largely urban.

Meanwhile, traditional parties have failed to reform or connect with the growing youth population. Leadership change within the major political parties appears unlikely before the next elections. While the new political parties may not emerge as a decisive force, they could still attract portions of Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML voters, as RSP did in 2022.

Harka Sampang, mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City and a popular independent figure, has registered his own political party to expand his influence beyond Dharan. Known for his unconventional style, such as personally working as a daily-wage laborer in municipal development projects, Sampang has captured national attention through his humor and wit, often going viral on social media. After the September protests, he claimed that the Prime Minister and Nepal Army had invited him for talks. However, it remains unclear whether the army sought to defuse potential unrest involving his supporters or to recognize him as a political stakeholder, with many believing the former to be more likely.

Another prominent figure, Netra Bikram Chand, the Maoist leader who had long opposed the peace process, constitution drafting, and all elections since 2013, has now registered his Nepal Communist Party to contest the upcoming polls. Senior party leader Khadka Bahadur Bishwakarma confirmed their participation. Once an advocate of urban revolt, Chand’s decision marks a notable shift toward electoral politics.

Business circles, too, are entering the political scene. Birendra Bahadur Basnet, the owner of Buddha Air, has registered a new party called the Gatishil Loktantrik Party, chaired by Dinesh Prasai, a Jawaharlal Nehru University graduate. The party reportedly enjoys backing from Kathmandu’s elite circles. Basnet, who has strong media visibility, is expected to contest the elections.

Similarly, Kul Man Ghising, popularly known as the “light man” for ending Nepal’s 15–16-hour daily load-shedding crisis, has helped form a new political party under the leadership of Anup Kumar Upadhyay, a former energy secretary. Although Ghising has not taken any official position within the party, he has long been associated with its formation efforts. He currently serves as a cabinet minister in Sushila Karki’s government, which is mandated to conduct the March 5 elections.

In Nepal’s first parliamentary elections in 1958, only nine political parties participated. The number began rising rapidly after 1990, and especially after the first Constituent Assembly elections in 2008.

Registering a political party in Nepal is not a complicated process. The Political Parties Act requires the signatures of at least 500 Nepali voters, along with letters of commitment for party membership and certified copies of citizenship or voter identity cards.

Over the past three decades, only two parties — the Maoists in 2008 and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in 2022 — have witnessed sudden and unexpected political success. In the first Constituent Assembly elections, the Maoists emerged as the largest force with a commanding lead over NC and UML. In 2022, RSP won 20 parliamentary seats, while in the same year’s local elections, independent candidate Balendra Shah secured a landslide victory over the NC and UML candidates in Kathmandu.

Now, the political atmosphere once again appears favorable for new entrants. The major parties have been discredited for their failure to curb corruption and ensure good governance. The September 8–9 protests, during which the offices and homes of hundreds of political leaders were torched, have further weakened their standing — creating fertile ground for new political forces to rise.

The Election Commission (EC) has invited political parties to a meeting for discussions on October 16 regarding the House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.

According to Election Commissioner Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar, the Commission has formally written to the Nepali Congress (NC), CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center), Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party, among others, summoning them for the discussions. Political parties that were represented in the dissolved HoR and those that won at least one ward member in the previous local elections have been invited to the meeting. 

Although the Election Commission published the election schedule on October 6, it states that it is for internal planning purposes. 

The final schedule for election-related activities will be determined after consultations with the political parties. 

The Election Commission has postponed the scheduled by-election for the Province Assembly in Manang district. Manang district has only one election constituency.  

All the programs related to the by-election scheduled in Manang's Province Assembly (B) for November 3 were cancelled.

All the by-election-related activities have been postponed for the time being as per the decision taken on October 5, reads a press release issued by EC Spokesperson, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai.

According to the EC, the election was cancelled until the next schedule after curfew implemented following the Gen-Z protest beginning from September 8 had affected implementation of election related programmes determined as per election schedule. 

Officiating Chief Election Commissioner of the EC, Ram Prasad Bhandari, as well as other Election Commissioner had on Sunday discussed with Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Anil Kumar Sinha, among others about the preparations of election to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5. 

On the occasion, the EC had briefed them about preparations for the election and its activities.

Election Commission (EC) officials called on Prime Minister Sushila Karki today to discuss preparations for the upcoming election.

The meeting took place at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. Discussions focused on the election of the House of Representatives, scheduled for March 5, 2026, following the dissolution of the House of Representatives effective from midnight on September 12.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on necessary legal amendments, election management, resource mobilization, and other related issues. 

The EC delegation was led by Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari.

Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Anil Kumar Sinha, who also attended the meeting, said discussions centered on identifying and addressing any issues that could hamper election preparations.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, EC Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai described it as a preliminary dialogue with the government. 

He said more discussions would be held. Both the government and the EC agreed that the fresh election must be conducted as mandated. He added that the EC is committed to holding a free and impartial election while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

The EC has requested the government to amend the Voter Registration Act, 2073 BS, and ensure resources necessary to conduct the election on the announced date.

As of now, the number of people who complete 18 years by November 1, 2025, stands at 18,168,230.

Earlier, on September 18, the EC held discussions with Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal regarding the upcoming election. 

Voter registration had been suspended since June 30, 2025, due to the previously announced by-election. 

However, with the announcement of the midterm election for March 5, 2026, legal provisions must be made to reopen voter registration. 

Discussions are underway to amend Subsection 2 of Section 4 of the relevant Act through an ordinance.

During the September 18 discussion, Home Minister Aryal also raised the issue of ensuring voting rights for Nepalis living abroad in the pretext of the Supreme Court's verdict towards that end. In response, the EC has consulted legal experts.

The interim government, led by former Chief Justice Karki, was formed following recent Gen-Z protests, with the mandate to hold fresh elections in March.

The Election Commission has urged the government to ensure the necessary resources, including the amendment to the Voter Registration Act, 2073, to be able to conduct the elections to the House of Representatives within the stipulated time.

By the 16th of Kartik (November 2, 2025) the number of voters who have reached the age of 18 is projected to reach 18. 16  million..  

During a discussions with Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal held at the Election Commission today in relation to the upcoming elections, the EC officials including Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said that since the collection of voter registration lists has been suspended from June 30 due to the previously set date for the by-elections, legal arrangements must be made to allow for the resumption of voter registration after the date for the mid-term elections has been announced.

On the occasion, discussions were held between the Commission and the government to amend the law by ordinance regarding the provision in sub-section 2 of section 4 of that Act.

After Home Minister Aryal suggested the EC plan measures to allow Nepalis living abroad to exercise their voting rights, in accordance with the Supreme Court's order, the EC has prepared to discuss with legal experts to provide suggestions on this topic.

Following the Gen Z demonstrations on the 24th and 25th of this month, an interim government has been formed under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, and the House of Representatives has been dissolved, with an election date announced for March 5, 2026.

The acting chief election commissioner Bhandari stated that the Commission has already started work on the elections as per the directive of the interim government, urging for effective security arrangements, assurance of manpower and resources, coordination with other ministries, involvement of political parties, and cooperation from the government and relevant sectors in the implementation of the election code of conduct.

EC calls political parties for registration in view of upcoming PA by-election in Manang

The Election Commission (EC) has issued a notice inviting political parties to register for participation in the upcoming Province Assembly (PA) by-election scheduled for November 3. 

The by-election will be held in Manang PA Constituency-2, which falls under the House of Representatives (HoR) Constituency-1.

The EC has called on all political parties registered with the Commission to submit applications for official recognition for contesting in the by-election in Gandaki Province. 

The election will be conducted under the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) electoral system, and will elect a member to the Gandaki Provincial Assembly from the constituency.

This registration process is being carried out in accordance with Article 271 of the Constitution of Nepal and the provisions of the Political Parties Act. The registration shall be ensured from Bhadra 19 to 25 (September 4 to 10).

Political parties must submit their applications in the prescribed format as per the Political Parties Regulation.

Applications must include: the full and abbreviated name of the party, date of establishment, date of registration, address of the central office, mailing address, contact telephone number and email address and any other details as required by the Election Commission.

This by-election has been mandated by a verdict from the Supreme Court, which convicted Rajiv Gurung, also known as Deepak Manange, in a criminal offense, declaring him ineligible to hold the position of Gandaki PA member, thereby vacating the seat.

The Election Commission (EC) has called for all political parties to register their parties for the by-election to be held in Rupandehi electoral constituency-3 on  November 3. 

Issuing a notice today, the EC said that the application can be submitted to the central office of the Commission for the registration of the party from August 6-12. 

It may be noted that the EC earlier had approved the election schedule for the by-election. 

Candidacy nomination will take place at the office of the returning officer from 10 am to 5 pm on October 7, and the list of candidates will be published on the same evening. 

The final list of candidates will be published on October 10. 

Voting will take place at the respective polling stations from 7 am to 5 pm on November 3. 

The Commission has stated that persons whose names were included in the closed list for the House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly elections under the proportional electoral system are not eligible to be a candidate in the by-election. 

The Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajbadi Party acquired a party registration certificate from the Election Commission (EC).

The Election Commission handed the party registration certification to Rai on Sunday evening.

A meeting of the commissioners of the Election Commission held on Sunday gave recognition to the JSP as a party in accordance with the Political Party Act 2073 and Rule 5 of the Regulation on Political Parties Act 2074.

Earlier on Sunday, Rai along with seven lawmakers had filed an application at the Election Commission for the registration of a new party.

The new party led by Rai has seven lawmakers including Pradeep Yadav, Renu Yadav, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, Birendra Mahato, Ranju Kumari, Hasina Khan and Sushila Shrestha.

The Election Commission has informed that voting for 19 members of the National Assembly (NA) was held in a peaceful manner today. In the scheduled voting conducted from 9 am to 3 pm, the voter turnout was 99 percent, EC added.

According to a press release issued by EC Spokesperson, Shaligram Paudel, there were a total of 549 voters from all seven Province Assemblies, among which, 546 cast votes. It is 99.45 percent turnout.

Similarly, from the local levels (rural municipality, municipality, sub-metropolis and metropolis), there were a total of 1,497 voters, among which, 1486 cast votes. It was 99.97 percent turnout. 

In total, the voter turnout was 99.32 percent, according to the EC.

The Election Commission (EC) is holding National Assembly polls on January 25 to fill 19 seats that are becoming vacant on March 4. The EC has published the final list of candidates contesting the election. However, the major parties, mainly the Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Center), have faced a backlash from their cadres and people alike over the selection of candidates. 

The upper house serves as an eclectic council of experts and scholars that advises the House of Representatives. It plays an important role in making the lower house and the government accountable. However, the selection of candidates by major parties tells a different story. Leaders, who were rejected by voters in the House of Representatives (HoR) elections multiple times, have been granted tickets. Such practice undermines the spirit of the upper house as the dominance of same old defeated faces in parliament discourages youth leaders within major parties. There is deep dissatisfaction over the selection of candidates within the NC. Moreover, parties have violated the principle of inclusion in candidate selection. The Nepali Congress, for example, doesn’t have a single candidate representing the Madhes region.

Not only the Nepali Congress, the Maoist Center and CPN-UML have, in the past, appointed leaders who lost House of Representatives elections to the upper house. Since its formation in 2018, only a few experts have been sent to the upper house. This has tarnished the status and glory of the upper house. Contrary to its intended role as the conscience keeper of parliament, the National Assembly has failed to function independently due to excessive influence of government and political parties.

The top leaders of major parties, however, appear unaffected by the backlash over candidate selection. The major parties need to to take this matter seriously, as the diminishing trust of the people toward parliamentary bodies poses a threat to democracy as a whole. At a time when some people are criticizing the 2015 Constitution and democracy, unpopular decisions by major parties will further erode public trust in the current system. Therefore, parties must address this issue seriously and work toward restoring the reputation of parliament.

The Election Commission has designated seven polling stations and 14 centers for the National Assembly elections scheduled for January 25.

Election Commission spokesperson Rekha Sharma Paudel said that the Commission has fixed seven polling stations—one in each province and two centers in each polling center—and 14 polling centers.

The Commission has designated polling stations at Province Election Office Biratnagar, Morang for Koshi Province, Mahendra Narayan Nidhi Mithila Cultural Center, Janakpurdham and Dhanush for Madhes Province.

Similarly, the election body has fixed Shree Bhutandevi Technical School, Block ‘F’ technical building Hetauda, Makwanpur for Bagmati Province, Province Election Office, Pokhara, Kaski for Gandaki Province, building of Karmachar Milan Kendra, Ghorahi, Dang for Lumbini Province, Province Election Office, Surkhet for Karnali Province and Province Assembly building, Dhangadhi, Kailali for Sudurpaschim Province.

The Commission said that there will be separate polling centers for the Province Assembly members and chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of the rural municipalities and chiefs and deputy chiefs of the municipalities to cast their votes.

The voting will be held from 9 am to 3 pm.