Kathmandu — With just 81 days remaining until Nepal’s parliamentary elections, political activity across the country has intensified, signalling a growing nationwide election atmosphere.

The Election Commission of Nepal has stepped up preparations, completing the registration process for political parties contesting both the first-past-the-post (direct) and proportional representation systems. The government has also finalised administrative and logistical arrangements to facilitate the polls.

Major political parties, along with newly formed groups, have launched election-focused campaigns across the country. Political rallies, internal party meetings and candidate selection processes are now gaining momentum, reflecting a shift toward full-scale election mobilisation.

Congress Leads in Candidate Selection

The Nepali Congress, the country’s oldest political party, has begun forwarding shortlisted candidates to the central leadership from across the country. The party is selecting candidates for both the direct and proportional systems and has also started choosing candidates for the National Assembly.

Compared with other parties, the Congress appears to be ahead in finalising its candidate selection process.

UML Holds General Convention

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), or CPN-UML, began its 11th general convention on Saturday. Addressing the opening session, party chair KP Sharma Oli questioned whether the UML would ever shy away from elections if conducted in a free and fair environment.

He urged the government to ensure impartial conditions for the polls and called for an atmosphere that encourages healthy political competition. The UML has already completed party registration and other election-related formalities within the timeframe set by the Election Commission.

Maoist Centre Intensifies Campaign

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) has accelerated its election campaign through nationwide mass meetings, known as Sandesh Sabhas. The party recently held a rally in Birendranagar, Surkhet, following similar events in Dhangadhi, Dang, Pokhara, Biratnagar and Janakpur.

The Maoist Centre is scheduled to hold another major gathering in Kathmandu on January 19. Speaking at the Surkhet rally, party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ reiterated the party’s commitment to holding elections on the scheduled date and said the party was fully mobilised for the process.

New Parties Also Active

The Rastriya Swatantra Party has begun drafting its election manifesto and initiated the candidate application process, particularly for proportional representation seats. The party has been organising public meetings and consultations as part of its election preparations.

Electoral Framework and Security Arrangements

For the elections scheduled on March 4, the Election Commission has started determining proportional representation quotas based on population. These quotas will apply to groups including Dalits, Indigenous nationalities, Khas Arya, Madhesis, Tharus and Muslims, in line with constitutional provisions.

A total of 100 political parties will participate under the proportional representation system, with 93 election symbols allocated after accounting for joint symbol applications. Under the direct election system, 114 political parties are set to compete.

The Election Commission is also finalising the draft election code of conduct and collecting feedback from stakeholders. On the government’s recommendation, President Ram Chandra Paudel has approved the mobilisation of the Nepal Army for election security.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure that the elections are conducted in a peaceful, free and fear-free environment.