Kathmandu: New legal standards have been made public for political parties submitting proportional representation candidate lists for the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for Falgun 21.

According to the House of Representatives Proportional Election (First Amendment) Directive, 2082, political parties must now submit a closed list comprising a minimum of 11 and a maximum of 110 candidates. The directive makes it mandatory to base candidate selection on population data from the National Census 2078 BS.

Under the revised provisions, the percentage allocation for inclusive groups has been updated. Parties are required to ensure representation of 30.28 percent Khas Arya, 28.72 percent Indigenous Peoples, 16.15 percent Madhesi, 13.44 percent Dalit, 6.52 percent Tharu and 4.89 percent Muslim candidates. The increase in representation for Madhesi and Muslim communities reflects changes in population figures in the latest census.

To further strengthen inclusiveness, the directive mandates that at least 50 percent of candidates from each group must be women. Where calculations result in fractions, the number must be rounded up to the nearest whole figure. Additionally, a minimum of 4.3 percent of the total candidate list must represent residents of backward areas and persons with disabilities.

The directive also outlines eligibility criteria for candidates, requiring them to be Nepali citizens aged 25 or above, listed on the voter register and not holding any position of profit. While submitting the closed list, parties must include a certified copy of the central committee’s decision approving the list, along with copies of candidates’ citizenship certificates or voter identity cards.

The Election Commission has fixed the deadline for submission of the closed lists from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Poush 13 and 14.