50 days to HoR elections: 175 candidates withdraw from PR closed list

Kathmandu, Jan 14: A total of 175 candidates have withdrawn their names from the closed list of the proportional representation under the House of Representatives (HoR) member elections to be held on coming March 5. 

According to the list published by the Election Commission (EC), candidates with 17 election symbols (including single) withdrew their names. The candidates were given until January 12 (Monday) to withdraw their names, if needed. 

Assistant Spokesperson of the EC Kul Bahadur GC informed that total 175 candidates of 17 election symbols have withdrawn their names during the period. Among those withdrawing their names also include candidates from the political parties submitting their names in the closed list from single election symbol. 

Assistant Spokesperson GC stated that the highest number of candidates withdrawing their names include 110 from the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP). It has been reported that this party has withdrawn the names of 110 candidates from the closed list as it has forged election alliance with other parties. 

Similarly, the Election Commission stated that 20 candidates from Janamat Party, 12 from Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), six from Janadesh Party Nepal, and five from CPN (UML) have withdrawn their names. 

Four candidates each from Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) and Rashtranirman Dal Nepal have also withdrawn their names. 

Likewise, two candidates each from Nepali Congress, Unnat Loktantrik Party, Nepali Communist Party and Rastriya Swatantra Party have withdrawn their candidacy. 

One candidate each from the United Democratic National Forum, United Citizens Party, Rastriya Mukti Party Nepal and Janata Samajwadi Party under the single election symbol 'Janto (grinder)' have withdrawn their names from the closed list. Similarly, one candidate each from Gatishil Loktantrik Party, Nepal Janata Party, and Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party have withdrawn their names. 

The political parties had submitted their names in the closed list towards proportional electoral system on December 28-29. 

The general elections will elect 165 members through the direct election system and 110 members through the proportional election system in the total 275-member House of Representatives. (RSS)