KATHMANDU: Election to the vacant seats in the National Assembly, the upper house of the federal parliament, is to be held within January 21 to 25, 2020.

Addressing a discussions program on the election to the National Assembly organized by the Election Commission here today, Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya informed the representatives of the political parties attending the program that the Election Commission was presenting its recommendation to the government today itself for organizing the election in this period.

The law stipulates that the government shall announce the date for the election to the National Assembly in consultation with the Election Commission. The term of 19 members or one-third members of the 59-member upper house is terminating from March 3, 2020.

Of this many National Assembly members, 18 would be chosen through election while the remaining one member would be nominated by the President on the recommendation of the government.

The law also stipulates that all the programs related to the election should be completed 35 days ahead from the date when the term of the members expires.

“At least 35/40 days are required for preparing for the election. So, accordingly, we are recommending to the government to announce the date of election January 21 through 25. No party registered with the Election Commission has been considered big or small (for the purpose of this election). We are committed to treat all equally and have others do the same,” the Chief Election Commissioner said on the occasion.

This election will elect seven women members, two members from the Dalit communities, two members from the minority communities and seven members from others. An electoral college comprising the State Assembly members, the chairs and vice-chairs of the Rural Municipality and the mayor and deputy mayor of Municipality will elect the members to the National Assembly.