KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has opened the door for revisions to the proportional representation (PR) candidate lists submitted by political parties ahead of the March 5 elections to the House of Representatives.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Election Commission stated that any candidate included in a party’s closed list under the proportional electoral system may apply to withdraw their name. Upon receiving such an application, the Commission will formally notify the concerned political party.
If a vacancy arises due to a withdrawal, the party may nominate another candidate from the same group to fill the slot, the Commission said.
Citing Section 20 of the House of Representatives Proportional Election Directive, 2082 BS, the Commission said it will examine whether the closed lists have been prepared in accordance with proportional representation and inclusive principles, and whether all legal requirements have been met. If deficiencies are found, the concerned party will be instructed to correct the list.
According to the Commission, a total of 64 political parties submitted their closed PR lists within the stipulated deadline. Of these, 54 parties submitted lists under their own election symbols, while 10 parties submitted closed lists to contest the election under four shared election symbols.
Comment