Kathmandu: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has said that the registration of candidates’ nomination papers for the upcoming House of Representatives election has been completed peacefully in all 165 constituencies across the country.

Peaceful Nomination Process
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday evening, Bhandari said the nomination process was carried out smoothly from 10 am to 5 pm in accordance with the election program made public by the Election Commission. He noted that the peaceful completion of nominations has helped create an environment that upholds the inviolable right of citizens to vote.

Next Phases of the Election Process
According to Bhandari, the claims and objections on the nomination papers will now be examined, after which the final list of candidates will be published. Election symbols will be allocated on Magh 9. He added that candidates will be allowed to conduct door-to-door campaigns only after the allocation of election symbols.

Campaign Schedule Clarified
The Acting Chief Election Commissioner clarified that large-scale election campaign programs can be organized only after Falgun 4. He reiterated that the Election Commission is proceeding strictly in line with the announced election calendar.

Security Arrangements for Falgun 21 Polls
Bhandari said that all four security agencies will be mobilized in a coordinated manner to ensure the elections scheduled for Falgun 21 are conducted in a free, fair and secure environment. He expressed confidence that the elected representatives would work toward strengthening good governance in the country.

Elections in Vacant Positions
He also committed to holding elections in vacant areas within six months, following consultations with the government, after the resignation of provincial assembly members and local-level chiefs and deputy chiefs.

Call for Compliance with Code of Conduct
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari urged all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the punishment-oriented election code of conduct issued by the Commission this year. He warned that any violation, if proven through complaints, will invite action in accordance with the law.