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Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has said that the election code of conduct will be enforced strictly this time, warning that violations could lead to severe action, including the cancellation of candidacies.

Acknowledging that violations increased in the past due to a largely awareness-oriented approach, Bhandari said the Election Commission would adopt a tougher, punitive stance in the upcoming polls. The commission has recently approved the election code of conduct and is preparing to enforce it from the first week of Magh. Describing elections as a “national campaign” and a “grand civic responsibility,” he said successful polls require collective integrity and participation from all stakeholders.

Bhandari also ruled out any possibility of postponing the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. He said the commission has intensified preparations since the President announced the election date, stressing that holding the election on the scheduled date is mandatory under the constitution and the law. “If the election is not held on the fixed date, it would be unconstitutional. Elections are the only way forward for the country—there is no alternative,” he said.

Stating that debates over whether the election will take place are now over, Bhandari said the commission has progressed too far to turn back. “The election will be held on March 5. There is no turning back,” he asserted.

Recalling that the commission recently held a joint discussion with representatives of 30 to 35 political parties amid prevailing uncertainty, Bhandari said none of the parties expressed unwillingness to participate in the polls. He added that the dialogue helped open channels of communication among leaders at various levels, and that the commission has already completed much of its work by publishing programmes and schedules.

Bhandari urged the media, civil society, and concerned stakeholders to promptly highlight any weaknesses in the election process. “If shortcomings become clear news, it will greatly support the election process,” he said, adding that the role of the media would also be crucial in identifying and exposing elements attempting to disrupt the polls.

The commission formed to investigate the incidents of Sept 8 and 9 is preparing to issue a letter summoning CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli for a statement.

Speaking to journalists outside the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on Thursday, commission chair Gauri Bahadur Karki said preparations are underway to call Oli for questioning in connection with the GenZ movement.

Asked what the commission would do if Oli does not appear when summoned, Karki responded that “tomorrow’s matters will be dealt with tomorrow.”

Karki also informed that the statement of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has already been recorded. He added that the commission is confident it will submit its report within the recently extended deadline.

Amid growing debate and criticism over proportional representation (PR) closed lists, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane has said that names included outside established procedures would be removed.

“Some individuals who should not have been included have made it onto the list. If any name is found to be outside the prescribed process, it will be removed. I have already issued instructions,” Lamichhane said.

Following the statement, questions have been raised over whether political parties—including the RSP—can amend the PR closed lists submitted for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Specifically, questions have emerged on whether parties can revise submitted lists or withdraw and replace candidates.

According to the House of Representatives Proportional Representation Election Directive, 2082, amendments to submitted closed lists are allowed under specific conditions.

Legal provisions for amendment

Chapter 4 of the directive outlines provisions related to submission, correction, and amendment of PR closed lists. Clauses 13 to 32 specify procedures related to submission, candidate eligibility, verification, and revision of closed lists.

Clause 20 of the directive states that if, during scrutiny, a closed list is found to be inconsistent with the principles of proportional representation and inclusion, or fails to meet other prescribed requirements, the concerned political party will be instructed to correct the list.

Withdrawal and replacement of candidates

Clause 22 allows candidates included in the closed list to withdraw their candidacy within the timeframe specified in the election schedule. Upon receiving a withdrawal application, the election officer is required to remove the candidate’s name from the list and notify the concerned party.

Clause 23 further provides that after a candidate withdraws, the party may nominate another candidate within the stipulated time, subject to approval by its central committee, and submit the revised list to the Election Commission.

The law requires that any replacement candidate must belong to the same inclusive group as the candidate who withdrew. The replacement may be placed at the same ranking position or at the end of the closed list.

Scrutiny and objections

Once revised lists are submitted or if no revision is required, the election officer must publish the closed list on the Election Commission’s website and notice board. The law allows a seven-day period for filing objections if any candidate is found to lack qualifications under the Constitution or relevant laws. After reviewing complaints, the final closed list will be published.

Clause 19 of the directive details the scrutiny process, which includes verification of voter registration, compliance with inclusion and proportional representation requirements, group-wise representation percentages, gender representation (minimum 50 percent women in each inclusive group), representation from backward regions, inclusion of persons with disabilities, duplication of names, legal eligibility, and proper authorization by the party.

Election Commission Assistant Spokesperson Sita Pun Shrees stated that scrutiny of PR closed lists submitted by political parties has begun. She said parties failing to meet prescribed criteria would be instructed to correct their lists.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said that all weapons looted and those that went missing during the September 8–9 Gen Z movement will be retrieved, as well as prisoners who escaped during the same period will be detained before March 5, 2026, the announced date for elections to the House of Representatives (HoR).

Addressing today a Koshi Province-level security committee meeting jointly organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Koshi Province Ministry for Internal Affairs and Law, the Minister said that most of the absconding prisoners are already in contact with authorities, while the remaining will be brought under control soon through a special security campaign.

He said the government is seriously addressing the election-related security concerns raised by political parties, particularly regarding looted weapons and fugitives, adding that the security meeting is part of broader efforts to ensure the elections are held in a free, fair, and peaceful environment.

The Home Minister further stated that mechanisms have been developed to ensure the active involvement of provincial security agencies before, during, and after the election.

“Elections are a fundamental practice of democracy,” he said, adding that they empower citizens, mainstream their strength and legitimize governance. “Good governance cannot be established without elections. If we aspire to good governance, there is no alternative to elections.”

He added that the incumbent government, formed with a mandate to conduct elections and hand over the leadership to an elected government, is fully focused on holding the polls on the announced date in a neutral and impartial atmosphere.

On the occasion, Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki urged the non-party government to ensure a neutral conduct of the elections, adding that the election environment has yet to be fully established and must be guaranteed within the remaining two months.

He also called on the federal government to equip security forces with the necessary resources in view of the upcoming elections.

Senior officers of the Nepal Army, the chiefs of Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, the chief investigation director of the National Investigation Department, and security chiefs from all 14 districts of Koshi Province attended the meeting.