Guidelines for Submitting Closed List of Proportional Representation Candidates

Kathmandu – Political parties submitting their closed list of candidates for the proportional representation (PR) system must include a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 110 names.

The House of Representatives election is scheduled for Falgun 21. According to the Provisions of the House of Representatives Member Proportional Representation (First Amendment) Directive, 2082, the Election Commission has stated that political parties must submit their candidate lists according to the new rules.

The list must reflect the population percentages of Dalits, Indigenous Nationalities (Janajatis), Khas Arya, Madhesis, Tharus, and Muslims. Based on the National Census 2078, Schedule 1 of the House of Representatives Election Act, 2074, was amended to incorporate this requirement.

Under the latest legal provisions, the list must include candidates in the following proportions: Dalits 13.44%, Indigenous Nationalities 28.72%, Khas Arya 30.28%, Madhesis 16.15%, Tharus 6.52%, and Muslims 4.89%.

The closed list must include at least 50% women from each inclusive group. When calculating the number of women to be included based on 50% of total seats, if the number comes in decimals, the list must include the next higher whole number.

The list must also include at least 4.3% of candidates from backward regions and persons with disabilities. When submitting the closed list to the Election Commission, the political party’s central committee must approve it and provide a certified copy of the decision. 

A copy of each candidate’s Nepali citizenship certificate or voter ID, along with proof of inclusion in the voter registry, must also be submitted.

Eligibility criteria for PR candidates include being a Nepali citizen, being registered in the final voter list of any rural municipality or municipality, being at least 25 years old, not being disqualified under any federal law, and not holding any remunerative position.

Political parties applying under the proportional representation system must submit their closed lists on Poush 13 and 14, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.