Kathmandu, January 20
Nomination filing for the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21 has begun. According to the Election Commission, nominations are being registered from 10 am to 5 pm.
The Commission has asked political parties and candidates to appear for nomination filing within the designated time.
Election Commission information officer Suman Ghimire said that candidates are required to submit Nepali citizenship along with 10 types of documents to file their nominations.
In line with the Voter List Act 2073 BS, the House of Representatives Member Election Act 2074 BS, the House of Representatives Member Election Regulations 2074 BS, the House of Representatives Election Directive 2082 BS, and the Election Code of Conduct 2082 BS, the required documents must be submitted at the time of nomination.
According to Ghimire, candidates must submit a copy of their Nepali citizenship certificate or a copy of their voter ID card. Proof that the candidate’s name is included in the final voter list of a municipality or rural municipality is also mandatory.
If a candidate is currently holding a government post or a position in a government-owned institution, proof of resignation from that post must be submitted. If the nomination is filed through a representative, a duly completed authorisation form is required.
As per prevailing law, an eligible candidate must submit a nomination paper endorsed with the details and signatures of one proposer and one seconder whose names appear in the final voter list of the same constituency.
If the candidacy is filed on behalf of a political party, an official nomination letter issued by the party’s central executive committee is mandatory. In the case of a joint party, a separate format of nomination letter is required.
Candidates must submit a receipt showing the deposit of a security amount of Rs 10,000 at the office of the election officer. However, women, Dalits, minorities, and economically disadvantaged candidates are entitled to a 50 per cent waiver. Economically disadvantaged candidates must submit a recommendation letter issued by the local level.
Candidates are also required to submit a self-declaration form in accordance with the Election Directive 2082 BS. The declaration must include sealed details of the candidate’s movable and immovable property, bank and financial institution accounts, securities, shares, debentures, as well as loans and liabilities.
In addition, candidates must submit a personal details form as prescribed by the Election Directive 2082 Bs.
If a candidate has taken any advance or outstanding amount from any elected, nominated, or appointed body, proof of settlement must be submitted. If any arrears have been recorded against the candidate following an audit, proof of clearance of such arrears is required.
Candidates must also submit a commitment letter in line with the Election Code of Conduct 2082 BS. Only after all these documents are completed will the nomination be considered valid.
The Election Commission has urged all prospective candidates to prepare the required documents in advance and contact the concerned election officer’s office on time.
According to information officer Ghimire, all required forms are available on the Election Commission’s website in both Word and PDF formats, allowing candidates to download and use them. He said this is to ensure that candidates do not have to return due to missing documents after reaching the election officer’s office.
Nomination filing is taking place today at all 165 election offices for the election scheduled for Falgun 21.
Of the 275-member House of Representatives, 110 members will be elected through the proportional representation system and 165 through the first-past-the-post system. Nominations under the proportional system were filed on Poush 13 and Poush 14.
