Kathmandu: The Election Commission (EC) is in full swing with necessary preparations for the nomination process scheduled for January 8 for the National Assembly election set to take place on January 25.

The EC has provided clear guidelines regarding the documents required for nomination, as shared by EC Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Paudyal. Candidates are expected to submit a photocopy of their Nepali citizenship certificate, a document verifying their name in the final name list of any rural municipality or municipality, and a voucher or receipt of the Rs 10,000 deposit.

To encourage inclusivity, women candidates and candidates from the Dalit, marginalized, and economically disadvantaged communities will benefit from a 50 percent discount on the deposit. Local authorities should provide a letter confirming the candidate's disadvantaged background.

Additional documents for nomination include an official letter from the party selecting a candidate for party candidates, a certified paper identifying the candidate as a member of the Dalit community, issued by the respective local body in the case of a Dalit cluster candidate, and a certified disability certificate for candidates from the disabled group.

Candidates from minority communities must include a certificate issued by the local body confirming their minority status. Proposers and seconders of the candidate's nomination, along with a certificate indicating the electoral college members' details, should also be provided.

The EC emphasized the inclusion of property details, a self-declaration of no disqualification under federal law, and confirmation that the candidate has not held any government-funded position, excluding political roles obtained through election or nomination.

Candidates currently holding public or elected positions must submit a paper indicating the resignation's registration from the held post. Moreover, a copy of the letter issued by the Election Commission, indicating withdrawal from the closed list under the proportional electoral system in the last election to the House of Representatives or National Assembly, is required.

The term of 19 National Assembly members and one member nominated by the President is set to conclude on March 3.