Govt to hold National Assembly elections by Jan 22

KATHMANDU: The government is preparing to hold elections for the 19 vacant posts of the National Assembly by January 22.

The Election Commission (EC) had suggested to hold the elections either on January 21 or 24.

According to a minister, the government has decided to hold the elections on January 22 (Saturday) so as not to hamper public services since the local representatives are also the voters.

The officials of the Election Commission (EC) during a meeting with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba held recently had informed that the tenure of 19 NA lawmakers is expiring on March 4.

The government has to fix the date and hold elections 35 days prior to the expiry of NA lawmakers’ tenure as per the provision laid down in the Section 5 of the National Assembly Elections Act.

Parliament Secretariat has informed the Commission that the tenure of 20 lawmakers including one nominated is expiring on March 4.

Heads, deputy heads of local units and provincial lawmakers are the voters in the National Assembly elections.