KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has completed essential preparations for the nomination of candidates on January 8 for the National Assembly election scheduled for January 25.

The EC has outlined the documents that candidates must submit during the nomination process.

According to EC Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Paudyal, candidates are required to submit a photocopy of their Nepali citizenship certificate, a document confirming inclusion in the final name list of any rural municipality or municipality, and a voucher or receipt for the Rs 10,000 deposit.

There will be a 50% discount on the deposit for women candidates, as well as candidates from the Dalit, marginalized, and economically poor communities.

The respective local level should issue a letter certifying that the candidate is from a poor background.

The necessary documents for nomination include an official letter of candidate selection from the party for party candidates.

In the case of a candidate from the Dalit cluster, a certified paper identifying the candidate as a member of the Dalit community, issued by the rural municipality, municipality, or any legally authorized body, is required.

Similarly, candidates from the disabled group or minority community should provide a certified disability certificate issued by the authorized body of the Government of Nepal.

Candidates from the minority community should include a paper issued by the rural municipality, municipality, or any authorized body certifying that the person belongs to the minority community.

Additionally, nomination documents should include the names of those proposing and seconding the candidacy, along with a certificate stating the names of the electoral college members, including members of the relevant Province Council or the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of the rural municipality in question.

The names and voter identity numbers of the mayor or deputy mayor of the municipality should also be included.

The EC emphasizes that other necessary documents comprise the candidate’s property details, including house number, place of residence, and land.

A self-declaration stating that the person has not been disqualified by any federal law and has not occupied any post drawing salary or economic facilities from the government fund, except a political post filled through election or nomination, is required.

Candidates must also produce a paper indicating the registration of resignation from any public post or elected position they currently hold.

Moreover, a copy of the letter issued by the Election Commission confirming the withdrawal of the candidate’s name from the closed list under the proportional electoral system of the last election to the Member of the House of Representatives or the National Assembly should be presented.

The term of 19 members elected to the National Assembly and one member nominated to the Assembly by the President is set to conclude on March 3.