Nepal has completed candidate nominations under its First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system, marking a critical step toward the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5. The process concluded largely peacefully, easing concerns about political instability.
Nepal’s federal parliament consists of 275 members, with 165 elected through the FPTP system and the remaining 110 through proportional representation (PR). With nominations now finalized, the Election Commission is moving ahead with the election calendar. Below are ten developments emerging from the nomination process that merit attention.
1. Candidate numbers exceed 3,000
According to Nepal’s Election Commission, more than 3,000 candidates have filed nominations under the FPTP system. This figure is expected to decline slightly as parties negotiate withdrawals. Separately, 3,293 candidates from 63 political parties have registered under the proportional representation system.
2. An influx of new faces
Political parties have introduced a notable number of first-time candidates, reflecting growing public pressure for political renewal. Analysts link this trend partly to youth-led protests in September that called for accountability and generational change. The Nepali Congress, one of the country’s largest parties, has nominated 106 new candidates out of its 165 FPTP slots. The CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), and the newly formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have also fielded a large number of new contenders, though comprehensive data is still pending.
3. Absence of pre-election alliances
In contrast to the 2017 and 2022 elections—when major parties formed electoral alliances—no formal pre-poll coalitions have been announced this time. Major parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, RSP, and the Nepali Communist Party, have fielded candidates in most constituencies. While limited seat adjustments may still occur, parties appear to be testing their individual electoral strength.
4. Limited progress on inclusion
Despite constitutional commitments to inclusivity, candidate representation under the FPTP system remains uneven. Women, Indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups are underrepresented. While proportional representation lists are legally required to ensure diversity, no such obligation exists under FPTP, resulting in only about 400 female candidates nationwide.
5. High-profile contest draws attention
One of the most closely watched races is in Jhapa-5, where former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is facing former Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah, a popular independent figure known for his anti-establishment appeal. The constituency drew nationwide attention during nominations, with competing demonstrations of political strength and minor clashes reported.
6. Prominent political figures shift constituencies
Several senior leaders are contesting from strategically significant constituencies. Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has moved from his traditional stronghold in Kathmandu to Sarlahi-4 in the southern Madhes region. Former Prime Minister and Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal is contesting from Rukum (East), a historic center of the Maoist insurgency. Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has reversed an earlier decision not to contest and is running from Gorkha-2. RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane is contesting from Chitwan-2, while former top bureaucrat Kul Man Ghising is running from Kathmandu-3. Veteran leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, a dominant political figure since the 1990s, has opted not to contest this election.
7. Journalists enter electoral politics
A growing number of journalists have entered the electoral race, underscoring public distrust in traditional political elites and the media’s expanding role in politics. Prominent television host Rishi Dhamala and several other journalists are contesting from various constituencies. Nepal’s state-run news agency reports that more than a dozen journalists are running for office—more than in previous elections.
8. RSP expands nationwide presence
The Rastriya Swatantra Party, which emerged as a major political force in the 2022 elections, has fielded candidates in 164 of Nepal’s 165 constituencies, excluding the remote Himalayan district of Manang. This positions the party alongside long-established parties and reflects its rapid organizational growth. The monarchist Rastriya Prajatantra Party has also fielded candidates nationwide.
9. Legal hurdles cleared
Nepal’s Supreme Court declined to intervene in internal disputes within the Nepali Congress, refusing to issue a stay order that could have delayed the election process. The decision has removed a major legal obstacle and allowed the Election Commission to proceed as scheduled.
10. Cabinet ministers resign to contest
Four cabinet ministers resigned to contest the elections, drawing criticism from civil society groups and opposition figures. Critics argue that ministers should prioritize ensuring free and fair elections rather than seeking electoral office, while supporters defend the resignations as consistent with democratic norms.
