KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) of Nepal has issued 20-point directives to political parties in preparation for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026.
The National Assembly (NA) election has been fixed for December 26. According to Assistant Spokesperson Prakash Neupane, the directives were issued under Section 57 of the Political Parties Act, 2073, urging all registered parties to extend necessary support for both elections and to uphold good governance and inclusiveness throughout the process.
To ensure inclusive proportional representation, the Commission has instructed parties to field at least one-third women candidates in direct elections and to nominate candidates in a manner that reflects gender and social diversity.
Parties are also expected to align their candidate selection with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the target of achieving 40 percent women’s representation in Parliament by 2030. The directives further emphasize respect for Nepal’s cultural, linguistic, religious and regional diversity, and prohibit any activities that may jeopardize social harmony.
Political parties have been asked to help make polling, counting and other election-related sites gender- and disability-friendly, and to incorporate gender and inclusion commitments in their manifestos.
When nominating candidates for positions not reserved for specific groups, parties must ensure representation based on the principle of proportional inclusion. They must also guarantee the participation of women, inclusive groups, and target communities in trainings, discussions and other activities.
The directives strictly prohibit discriminatory campaign practices, including threats, personal insults, harassment, character assassination and language that undermines the dignity of women, children, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, sexual and gender minorities or other candidates.
Parties must monitor social media content to prevent the spread of false, misleading or hateful information that could harm women or marginalized groups. They are also required to inform voters about gender and inclusiveness and the value of the electoral process during their campaigns.
Parties must formulate and enforce an internal code of conduct for office bearers, members and cadres, and take action against those who violate it. After submitting their proportional representation closed lists to Returning Officers, parties must make those lists public.
They are also prohibited from engaging in activities that threaten Nepal’s sovereignty, integrity or communal harmony, or that cause damage to public or private property.
The Commission has directed parties to prepare and submit their election manifestos and conduct campaigns accordingly. It also prohibits the use of children in political activities and bars any party from obstructing or detaining others in an undemocratic manner during political or election-related events.
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