Debate on holding elections meaningless, says Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari

Kathmandu: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has said that the debate over whether the House of Representatives elections will be held has become meaningless, as all necessary preparations are already in place.

Speaking at the concluding session of a two-day orientation organised by the Election Commission for political parties on submitting closed lists under the proportional representation system, Bhandari said holding the election is inevitable in the current situation. The elections are scheduled for March 5.

He said political issues related to the elections would be resolved politically, while the Election Commission would act on matters that are settled politically and legally.

“The commission is committed to holding the election under any circumstances. There is no other option before us,” Bhandari said. “If elections are not held on time, uncertainty will deepen. Elections are also necessary to bring the constitution into regular operation.”

He urged political parties to nominate capable candidates and fulfil their responsibility toward good governance. Bhandari also stressed that closed lists under the proportional representation system must be submitted without errors, ensuring inclusive representation of all castes, languages, classes, and geographical regions.

He reminded stakeholders to strictly follow the election code of conduct, which will be issued soon, and called on parties to create a clean, free, impartial, and fear-free environment for campaigning.

“No one should obstruct the election process. Parties should approach voters in a polite and respectful manner,” he said, adding that while political parties are the main actors in elections, the Election Commission serves only as a referee.

The programme was attended by Election Commission members Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar and Sugun Shamsher Jabra, Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut, Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, and two representatives each from 93 political parties registered to participate in the proportional representation system.

Legal and statistical experts trained participants on procedures for recommending candidates based on prescribed inclusion quotas.

Following the issuance of the House of Representatives Member Election (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 by President Ram Chandra Poudel on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, political parties are required to submit closed lists in line with population proportions of Dalits, Indigenous Peoples, Khas Aryas, Madhesis, Tharu, and Muslims, based on the 2021 national census.

Spokesperson Bhattarai said the commission is fully prepared for the proportional electoral system. Political parties must submit their closed lists between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm on December 28 and 29.