Election Commission holds discussion with political parties on upcoming National Assembly election

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has held discussions with major political parties regarding the upcoming National Assembly election scheduled for January 25, 2026.

The meeting, held at the EC’s central office in Kantipath, was attended by Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, other commissioners, and representatives from major political parties including Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Centre).

EC Secretary Mahadev Pantha said the Commission will announce the election program after consulting with the parties on technical preparations and legal requirements.

According to existing legal provisions, the National Assembly election must be conducted at least 35 days before the expiry of members’ terms. The tenure of 19 members will end on March 5, of which 18 seats will be filled through election, while one will be nominated by the President.

The electoral college for the National Assembly consists of Provincial Assembly members and chiefs and deputy chiefs of local bodies within each province. Each Provincial Assembly member’s vote carries a weight of 48, while the votes of local representatives carry a weight of 18.