KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) is studying documents submitted by 15 political parties seeking registration ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
According to the Commission, ten parties submitted applications before the election announcement, while five applied afterward.
EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said that while parties can generally apply for registration at any time, the recent surge follows the Gen-Z movement, the formation of a new government, and the dissolution of the House of Representatives, prompting youth participation in party formation.
“Applications that meet all procedural requirements will be approved,” he said.
Among the recent applicants, Shram Sanskriti Party, led by Dharan Deputy Mayor Harka Sampang, applied on September 23, while the Nepal Liberal Party, led by Gopilal Nyaupane, applied on October 19 with the election symbol ‘Sikka’.
Other parties include the Nepal Citizen Party, led by Dr. Surendra Bhandari, and the Gatisheel Loktantrik Party, led by Dinesh Raj Prasai, which requested the election symbol ‘Jyoti’. The Rastriya Gen-Z Party Nepal, led by Hiraprasad Soti, also applied on October 19, requesting the symbol ‘Cross Khukuri’.
Bhattarai said the Commission would follow existing rules and procedures to decide on party names and election symbols. Of the ten parties that submitted applications before the election announcement, documents for some, including Ujyalo Nepal and Rastriya Parivartan Party, are still pending.
The EC generally issues a decision within 45 days of receiving complete documents. Currently, 124 parties are registered in Nepal, following two splits that increased the number from 122.
To be eligible for elections under the proportional representation system, parties must first complete registration and receive a certificate. According to the EC schedule approved on Asoj 20, the Commission will publish a notice for election registration on November 11, giving parties a 10-day window from November 17 to 26 to reapply if needed.
In the run-up to the elections, Prime Minister Sushila Karki has held discussions with various political parties to ensure a conducive environment. Party leaders have emphasized the need for judicial clarity on the dissolution of parliament, election security, and dialogue with the government.
Following the Gen-Z movement in September 8 and 9 and the subsequent government formation on September 12, the House of Representatives was dissolved, and elections were announced. The CPN (Maoist Centre) has confirmed participation, while the CPN (UML) continues to prioritize reinstating the House. The Nepali Congress central committee is scheduled to meet next week to decide its next steps.
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