Nepal Enters Full Election Mode with Submission of PR Candidate Lists: Minister Kharel

Gorkha, Dec 29:
Nepal has officially entered full election mode following the submission of closed lists of Proportional Representation (PR) candidates by political parties for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel said on Monday.

The Election Commission had set a deadline for submitting the PR closed lists, which was met today. Addressing the launch of the Smart Post Office Service in Gorkha, Minister Kharel emphasised that with the registration of these candidate lists, the country has formally entered the election process.

“The debate over holding the election on March 5 is now settled. The election will be conducted peacefully, fearlessly, and within the scheduled time,” Kharel, who is also the government spokesperson, stated. He added that past elections have been held under challenging circumstances, but he is confident that the interim government and political parties will ensure a secure environment for voters. “Security agencies are fully prepared, and voters can cast their ballots without fear,” he said.

Kharel further assured that the interim government, formed following the Gen-Z movement on September 8-9 under Prime Minister Sushila Karki, will set an example by successfully conducting the elections. He urged all eligible voters to actively participate and elect capable representatives.

On issues like e-voting and granting voting rights to Nepalis abroad, Minister Kharel said discussions are ongoing. He also noted that serious talks are being held regarding inter-district and alternative voting systems.

During the event, Kharel called on all stakeholders to ensure a successful election and instructed authorities to expand postal services nationwide through the newly launched Smart Post Office Service. Communications Secretary Radhika Aryal praised Gorkha for being the first district to launch the service and highlighted the need to modernize postal services in line with technological advancements.