EC sets Monday deadline for PR candidates to withdraw names

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 12: The Election Commission has announced the procedure for the House of Representatives (HoR) candidates included in the closed list under the Proportional Representation (PR) election system to withdraw their candidacies.

The Commission has fixed Monday as the deadline for candidates willing to withdraw their names from the PR list to do so. 

Election Officer Krishna Bahadur Raut stated that candidates whose names appear on the closed lists submitted by their respective political parties may apply for withdrawal on Monday. According to Raut, candidates must submit a formal application in the format specified under Schedule 18 of the House of Representatives Proportional Representation Election Directives, 2062.

Stating that the application must be submitted to the Office of PR Election Officer, he said that if a candidate is unable to appear in person, the withdrawal application may be submitted through an authorised representative.

Green Election Campaign 

Meanwhile the Election Commission (EC) has launched a Green Election Campaign aimed at making the upcoming House of Representatives elections environmentally sustainable and pollution-free.

Announcing the initiative on Sunday, the Commission declared the upcoming election as a ‘Green Election,’ with a focus on reducing environmental impact through responsible conduct by both the Commission and participating political parties, said Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the Commission's spokesperson.

To implement this vision, the Commission has begun integrating green practices across all stages of the electoral process, promoting eco-friendly behaviour at every level, Bhattarai explained.

According to Bhattarai, the campaign involves using environmentally friendly materials throughout the electoral campaign and on polling day, ensuring no lasting harm to the environment.

The Commission has outlined several measures to help political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders contribute to the initiative. 

The EC asked the parties and candidates to ensure that all materials used during campaigns, including rallies, meetings, and door-to-door activities, are disposed of and managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

The Commission has encouraged political parties to prioritise digital platforms over traditional physical materials for election campaigning, helping to minimise waste and pollution.

Measures should be taken to reduce noise, water, and air pollution during campaign events such as rallies, processions, and meetings, said Bhattarai. 

Political parties are also urged to avoid using plastic, polythene, or any other non-biodegradable materials in their election activities.

The Commission has emphasised that political parties should conduct rallies, meetings and processions in ways that do not harm the environment.

Meanwhile, the EC has begun printing ballot papers for the proportional representation (PR) system of the House of Representatives election from Friday.

The printing is being carried out at the Janak Education Materials Centre Limited press in Sanothimi after the completion of sample ballot printing for both proportional and first-past-the-post (direct) systems that will be used for the voter’s education purpose. 

The ballot printing for PR system is taking place under tight security provided by the Nepal Army.

According to the Election Commission, between five and seven per cent more ballot papers than the total number of registered voters will be printed for the proportional system. 

On average, around 20 million PR ballot papers will be printed. A total of 18,903,689 voters are registered to take part in the election scheduled for March 5. 

As per the commission-approved design, the ballot paper for proportional representation (PR) will be printed in black ink on white paper. 

The ballot will carry 58 election symbols of political parties that have submitted closed candidate lists to contest the proportional representation election. 

The commission is preparing to begin printing ballot papers for the First-Past-The-Post election after January 22. 

Around 20 million ballot papers will also be printed for the FPTP system, EC said.