Politics - elections

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Final result of HoR elections 2022, based on the Election Commission website

Lack of social inclusion in the newly elected House of Representatives

This is in stark contrast to the preamble of the 2015 Constitution, in which top politicians promised: ... "protecting and promoting social and cultural solidarity, tolerance and harmony, and unity in diversity by recognizing the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, multi-cultural and diverse regional characteristics, resolving to build an egalitarian society founded on the proportional inclusive and participatory principles in order to ensure economic equality, prosperity and social justice, by eliminating discrimination based on class, caste, region, language, religion and gender and all forms of caste-based untouchability....."

Message Of Local By-election, by Ballav Dahal (rn 09/12/2024), Three Big Parties Retain Dominance, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 10/12/2024)

Homework On Electoral System Reform, by Mukti Rijal (rn 05/12/2024) [The electoral system is in need of reform, but the main reason for political instability is the abuse of it by the patriarchal party-political elite!]

Local level election results: NC leads followed by Maoist Center and UML (kh 03/12/2024), Congress loses the most from 2022. UML, Maoist Centre make gains : Kirtipur’s mayoral seat, the biggest prize in Kathmandu Valley in Sunday’s by-election, goes to Nepali Congress, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 03/12/2024)

RSP’s Rojina elected as Ward Chairperson of Kathmandu-16 (kh 02/12/2024), UML’s Shahi elected Chairman of Dailekh’s Mahabu Rural Municipality (kh 02/12/2024), Unified Socialist registers win in Gadhimai-8; NC in Ishnath-7 (kh 02/12/2024), 37 local by-election: NC tops, Maoist Center and UML trail (kh 02/12/2024), Maoist Center claims gains in by-elections as NC and UML struggle (rep 02/12/2024)

Khadka Raj Shahi elected Ward Chairperson in Tilagufa, Kalikot (kh 01/12/2024), Nepali Congress candidate Dhan Singh Kuwar wins in Duhu-5, Darchula (kh 01/12/2024), Bhupamani Pun Magar of Nepali Congress wins Ward Chairperson election in Runtighadhi-4, Rolpa (kh 01/12/2024)

By-elections for 41 local-level positions conclude with 62% voter turnout (kh 01/12/2024), Voter turnout drops in Kirtipur and Kathmandu 16 by-elections (kh 01/12/2024)

EC to provide real-time vote counting updates online (rn 30/11/2024)

Local by-election: Silence period comes into effect (kh 29/11/2024)

20 parties contesting 41 posts in local by-polls : Three of the 44 vacant posts have seen representatives elected unopposed (kp 28/11/2024)

Vehicles operating without permission during by-election to be fined Rs 25,000 (rep 24/11/2024)

Kirtipur mayoral race set to be a test for traditional parties : Surge of independent candidates may complicate the contest for Congress’ former seat, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 20/11/2024)

Maoist Center candidate unopposed in Rukum East (rn 20/11/2024) [??]

National Security Council recommends procedures for army mobilization in by-election (rn 20/11/2024)

Local by-elections: 407 candidates in the fray for 44 seats (kh 18/11/2024), 410 candidates file nominations for local by-elections : The Election Commission has enforced a code of conduct from Sunday (kp 18/11/2024), Complaints filed against two out of 410 by-election candidates (rep 19/11/2024)

Maoist Center and Unified Socialist agree to forge alliance in local by-elections in Kathmandu (kh 17/11/2024), Balen Shah not to endorse any candidate in Kathmandu’s by-election (kh 17/11/2024), NC and CPN-UML forge alliance in Rukum East by-election (kh) [The authoritarian and rather incompetent national leaders decide on party behaviour in local elections: This no longer has anything to do with democracy and federalism!]

Code of conduct comes into force for December 1 local by-elections : The set of restrictions takes effect starting today, the nomination day (kp 17/11/2024)

Nepali Congress and CPN-UML to compete independently in upcoming by-elections (kh 07/11/2024) [In a democratic system, this is a matter of course and not a favour from manipulating politicians!]

Local-level by-elections set for Dec 1 to fill 44 vacant seats, by Raghab Sharma (kh 06/11/2024), Local level by-elections: where and which posts? (rep 06/11/2024), Parties expedite candidate selection for local by-polls : The by-elections will be held on December 1 for various positions that have gone vacant (kp 07/11/2024) [The national level of the parties should have no say in the selection of local candidates!], RSP opts for primary elections to finalize local level by-election candidates (kh 07/11/2024)

Electoral reforms are essential not only for effective federalism but also for ensuring equal and quality representation, interview with Bipin Adhikari (sp 25/10/2024)

Rajendra Mahato submits application to EC for registration of new political party (rep 25/10/2024)

मतदान विधिमार्फत निर्वाचनमा सुधार [ Reform of elections through voting methods], by Indra Adhikari and Uddhav Pyakurel (ka 17/10/2024)

25 parties registered for local by-elections (kh 06/10/2024)

Govt decides to hold local level by-elections in December (kh 15/09/2024)

Election without alliance: Is it possible?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 05/09/2024) [Since in Nepal the alliances formed before the elections are nothing but smoke and mirrors for the politicians afterwards, they are nothing more than fraud against the voters!]

Local level by-elections likely to be held in December (kh 23/08/2024)

No Flaws In Electoral System, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn 21/08/2024)

Top court orders law amendments before next polls to ensure constitutional spirit of inclusiveness : ‘Nepal should also follow the criteria of narrowly tailored proportionality like in other countries while giving opportunity to the deprived community’, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 09/08/2024)

Higher vote threshold for political parties will be hard to set, analysts say : Election authority working to amend law on political parties but revisions not yet known, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 09/08/2024) [CPN (UML) and NC have received just 52 per cent of the votes and now they want to throw the other half of the votes under the bus by manipulating the electoral system? Since NC and UML have no real common ground, this coalition, which is determined by power aspects, will not last long anyway. How fortunate that the two parties do not have the two-thirds majority in parliament needed to amend the constitution!]

Do it anyway : Nepal’s three biggest parties have committed to fighting future elections on their own. They should (kp 05/08/2024) [First asking for the votes of other parties, as happened with the electoral alliances, and then forming other coalitions with these votes is not democratic and fair, but highly criminal electoral fraud!]

Electoral Reform On The Anvil?, by Mukti Rijal (rn 01/08/2024) [The male party leaders are in favour of a return to a purely direct election system because this would make it much easier for them to expand the Khas Arya state and manipulate politics. This would mean that a great promise made in 2006, the creation of a socially inclusive state, would finally be shelved. Social unrest is becoming more likely. It would make more sense to reform the PR system and free it from the nominations by the party leaders!]

Relevance of Two-Party System in Nepal, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep 30/07/2024) [The two parties together did not even receive 53 per cent of the votes in 2022 and they are in constant decline (13 per cent less than in 2017). There is no recognisable justification for a two-party system.]

Hearing panel rejects Pradhan’s nomination for election commissioner : Rejection follows allegations of past sexual abuse and Pradhan’s withdrawal of candidacy on Monday, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/07/2024)

Is Mixed Electoral System Flawed?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 21/07/2024) [To put it better: the problem lies in the abuse of both the direct and the proportional election system by the high-caste male elite of the parties. In this form, the direct voting system, which has never been honestly intended and is ultimately distorted by anti-democratic electoral alliances, prevents a correct distribution of power and social inclusion!]

Is Proportional Representation the Cause of Frequent Government Changes in Nepal?, by Hari Prasad Shrestha (rep 14/07/2024) [The problem is not the PR system as such, but the fact that it is solely in the hands of a few top politicians. They are the real problem because they also misuse the direct election system as an anti-inclusion tool! This is one of the main reasons for political stagnation, constant changes of government and corruption!]

Experts stress clear rationale, broad talks on constitution revision : An analyst says shrinking the scope of proportional representation would make Khas-Arya a more dominant force in Parliament, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/07/2024) [This is the true face and intention of the ruling male Khas Arya minority (<15% of the population)! Their political leaders strictly reject appropriate social inclusion because they would then lose dominance and privileges in the multi-ethnic, non-patriarchal state. For them, politics is a toy without social responsibility!]

Making Electoral Process Frugal, by Rabindra Adhikary (rn 04/07/2024)

EC is serious on ensuring voting rights for Nepalis living abroad: CEC Thapaliya (rn 28/06/2024) [But the government is not, as evidenced by its inactivity despite clear instructions from the Supreme Court!]

Call For Debating Electoral Reforms, by Mukti Rijal (rn 16/05/2024)

Pokhara High Court orders recount of votes in Byas Municipality (kh 15/05/2024) [after 2 years!]

Time to Revamp Electoral System?, by Shobhakar Parajuli (kh 14/05/2024)

Ministry of Finance allocates additional 10 million rupees for by-election expenditures (kh 08/05/2024)

Inclusive Election in Nepal, by Dev Datta Joshi (rep 07/05/2024)

Experts warn against hasty change in electoral system : As two major parties peddle the narrative of a flawed system that elects hung parliament, direct election is no panacea, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/05/2024) [The problem is the political parties and not the electoral system. Despite serious manipulation in the run-up to the elections and even greater social exclusion and nepotism, none of the ‘major’ parties are able to secure majorities. A purely direct election system is not very democratic and would still not bring about any political stability with thes power-orientatede ‘top politicians’!]

Old is still gold in Nepali politics : By-election results in Ilam and Bajhang show establishment parties are still the voter’s choice, by Santa FGaha Magar (nt 03/04/2024)

By-elections’ message, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 01/05/2024)

ML’s Suhang Nemwang emerges victorious in Ilam-2 : UML gets 27,772 votes; Nepali Congress 21,942, and Dakendra Thegim 11,457 votes (kh 30/04/2024), RSP’s Milan Limbu fails to secure 10% votes in Ilam-2 (kh 30/04/2024) [Is the RSP another short-lived party that claimed to be alternative but then wasn't?], Insights from the Ilam-2 by-election (kh 30/04/2024)

Ilam-2 by-elections held peacefully, vote count likely to start tonight (rep 27/04/2024), Ilam-2 by-election vote counting set to begin at 11 AM (kh 28/04/2024), Kathmandu tops list of most polluted cities worldwide (kh), Polling peaceful in Ilam, Bajhang : As ballots are gathered, election officials are preparing to begin vote count early today, by Parbat Portel and Basant Pratap Singh (kp 28/04/2024), Bajhang by-election: UML’s Bhandari retaining lead, Maoist Center’s Budha in second position (kh 28/04/2024), Ilam-2 by-election update: UML’s Suhang still taking lead (kh 28/04/2024)

By-elections underway in Ilam and Bajhang, to continue till 5 pm (kh 27/04/2024), Voting taking place enthusiastically in Bajhang (kh 27/04/2024), By-election in Ilam: Suhang, Khadka, Limbu cast their votes (kh 27/04/2024), Ilam-2 by-election sees 43% voter turnout so far, projected to surpass 65% (kh 27/04/2024), Bajhang-1 by-election sees 40% voter turnout so far (kh 27/04/2024), Ilam-2 By-polls: 52% voter turnout recorded so far (kh 27/04/2024), Ilam-2 By-polls: 68% voter turnout recorded by 4 pm (kh 27/04/2)

EC decides to permit public vehicles to operate freely on day of by-election (rep 26/04/2024)

Time to declare EVMs’ end : Don’t allow more public money to be drained by this project (rep 26/04/2024)

Bajhang by-election: Construction of Taklakot Road is common election agenda of candidates (rep 26/04/2024)

Election Key To Democratic Politics, by Mukti Rijal (rn 25/04/2024)

Bhajang and Ilam by-elections: 69 polling stations classified as ‘highly sensitive’ (rep 25/04/2024)

Silent period for by-election to begin from midnight (rep 24/04/2024)

I am for a fully PR system with a five percent threshold : Leaders don’t want overseas voting because that will swing results in unpredictable ways. But technically, online voting is feasible, interview with Neel Kantha Uprety (kp 15/04/2024) [Excellent statements by a former Chief Election Commissioner!]

Reforms needed to increase women’s participation in elections: Chief Election Commissioner (kh 15/04/2024)

Final list of candidates of Ilam-2 published (rep 09/04/2024)

Ilam-2 by-election sans women candidates (kh 07/04/2024)

Nepali Congress seems to be uniting on fighting elections with own might : Deuba, a vocal supporter of poll alliances, now publicly backs a proposal to go to the elections independently (kp 07/04/2024) [This is already much more democratic than power-orientated alliances, but it also requires better protection of regional and federal interests and, finally, appropriate social inclusion. There is still a long way to go!]

HoR By-election: 20 candidates register nominations in Ilam-2 (With pictures), by Bhim Chapagain (rep 07/04/2024)

Election Commission invites complaints against candidates for by-election : Interested individuals can submit the complaints from 10 am to 3 pm today (kh 07/04/2024), Much-anticipated bypolls kick off with nominations : In a three-horse race in Ilam-2, UML federal candidate has Maoist Centre’s backing. Nepali Congress is going solo (kp 07/04/2024)

12 candidates registered for the by-elections of Bajhang province assembly (kh 06/04/2024)

By-election April 27: Eight candidates register nominations in Ilam-2 (kh 06/04/2024), Three parties rally behind Suhang Nembang for Ilam-2 by-election (kh 07/04/2024) [Free and fair elections the Nepali way!]

Nominations being filed for the by-elections today (rep 06/04/2024)

Ilam sees increase of 422 voters : National count rises by 87,417 (kh 05/04/2024)

Congress picks Dambar Khadka and Abhisek Singh as bypoll candidates : Maoist Centre decides to back UML candidate Suhang Nembang in Ilam-2 constituency. RSP has fielded Milan Limbu for the seat (kp 05/04/2024)

Maoist Center extends support to CPN-UML candidate for Ilam-2 by-election (kh 04/04/2024)

By-elections : Litmus Test For Parties’ Popularity, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 02/04/2024)

UML, Maoist Centre in talks for common candidate in Ilam-2 : Rastriya Swatantra Party, another coalition partner, has picked Milan Limbu as its candidate (kp 01/04/2024) [Preventing free and fair elections by means of agreements between the autocratic party leaders. Isn't that what you call democracy in Nepal?]

These are candidates announced for Ilam-2 by-election (kh 30/03/2024)

Who is not corrupt? The politics of vote-buying has replaced ideological and ethical competitions in elections, by Achyut Wagle (kp 26/03/2024)

Election symbols allocated to 20 parties for by-election (kh 18/03/2024)

RSP to contest in Ilam-2 by-election, no candidacy in Bajhang (kh 11/03/2024)

EC rejects Resham Chaudhary as Nagarik Unmukti Party Chair, affirms continuity with Ranjita Shrestha (kh 07/03/2024)

By-election Update : Final voter list to be published on April 4 (kh 28/02/2024)

Ilam by-election: NC picks Khadka, UML eyes Suhang as parties prepare for showdown (kh 27/02/2024)

EC schedules by-election for Illam and Bajhang on April 27 (kh 25/02/2024), By-elections in Ilam, Bajhang on April 27 : Two dozen positions at the local level too remain vacant, but the commission is yet to decide when to hold elections there (kp 26/02/2024), By-election 2024: EC unveils candidacy registration schedule (kh 26/02/2024)

EC asks parties to report name, statute, and leadership changes within 30 days (rep 16/02/2024)

EC concerns ensuring franchise rights to NRNs (kh 09/02/2024)

Of alternative voting methods : Nepal must assess its capacity to implement absentee voting and digitalise elections, by Arjun Thapa (kp 06/02/2024)

By-election preparation intensifies, date announcement expected next week (kh 02/02/2024), EC proposes holding by-elections for 25 posts within mid-May (rep 04/02/2024), Election Commission prepares for bypolls in April : The lower house seat of Ilam-2 is vacant after the demise of former Speaker and chairman of the Constituent Assembly Subas Nembang (kp 05/02/2024)

NA Election Outcome No Threat To Ruling Coalition, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 30/01/2024)

Maoist Center emerges as largest party in National Assembly (kh 25/01/2024), National Assembly election sparks distrust in ruling coalition : Maoist Center emerges as the largest party, UML the third party in the National Assembly (rep 26/01/2024)

99 percent voter turnout in NA election: EC (kh 25/01/2024)

Successful conclusion of NA Election across seven provinces, results awaited this evening (kh 25/01/2024), Anand Prasad Dhungana and Pooja Chaudhary elected as National Assembly members from Madhesh Province (rep 25/01/2024), UML candidate Koirala elected as National Assembly member from Koshi Province, defeats her rival from ruling coalition (rep 25/01/2024), Bishnu Sapkota of NC and Jhakku Subedi of Maoist Center elected as National Assembly members from Lumbini province (rep 25/01/2024), NA election: Sabitri Malla clinches victory in Karnali (kh 25/01/2024), NA election: NC’s Bishnu Pudasaini secures victory in Bagmati (kh 25/01/2024), NA election: NC’s Krishna Sitaula wins from Koshi (kh 25/01/2024), Win bolsters Sitaula’s chances as Assembly chair : Congress desperately wants a seat in the Constitutional Council. The upper house head is one of its members (kp 26/01/2024)

Challenges of misinformation : Emerging AI tools will result in a playground of information manipulation in the upcoming elections, by Ujjwal Acharya (kp 24/01/2024)

RPP-UML form alliance for NA election in Koshi (kh 22/01/2024) [Similar mindset?]

Election Code of Conduct to take effect from Tuesday (kh 14/01/2024), Restrictions in effect: National Assembly election code of conduct (kh 16/01/2024)

Maximum election expenditure for NA candidate set at Rs 350,000 (kh 14/01/2024) [Since the NA election is held by a relatively small electoral body and the voting behaviour has already been arranged in advance by the party leaders, it is reasonable to ask why there is any major expenditure at all, unless it is to buy votes!]

National Assembly Elections: Candidates can withdraw their names today (rep 12/01/2024), RPP’s candidate Thapa withdraws from National Assembly election in Lumbini Province (kh 12/01/2024)

Election Commission initiates probe into complaints against NA election candidates (kh 10/01/2024)

NA election: EC to register complaints against candidates today (kh 09/01/2024)

Battle for 19 seats in National Assembly: 47 candidates from key political parties to compete in January 25 election (kh 08/01/2024), 52 candidates in the fray for 19 NA seats (kh 08/01/2024(

Fringe ruling parties unhappy over Assembly seat-sharing : Janamat, Nagarik Unmukti and Loktantrik Samajbadi parties get no candidacies, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/01/2024)

UML candidate returns without filing candidacy after name not found in voter list (kh 08/01/2024)

NA Election: EC publishing final voter list today (kh 07/01/2024)

UML left to fight upper house election with own strength : Even with the main opposition out of picture, ruling parties are struggling to finalise names of coalition candidates, by Anil Giri (kp 07/01/2024)

Ruling alliance rejects collaboration with CPN-UML in NA election : Alliance meeting at 4 PM, official decisions awaited (kh 06/01/2024)

National Assembly: Whose representation matters? (rep 05/01/2024) [Anti-democrats at work!]

Ruling coalition grapples with NA seat allocation dilemma : 19 National Assembly seats remain contentious, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh 03/01/2024),
Maoist Center asserts claim on six seats for upcoming NA election (kh 03/01/2024) [Megalomania of an increasingly insignificant party?],
uling coalition to hold talks with UML regarding NA election (kh 03/01/2024) [When elections turn into a farce!], UML’s strategic moves fuel alliance uncertainty, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh 03/01/2024)

EC makes necessary preparations for NA election nominations (kh 28/12/2023), National Assembly Elections: Electoral Officer appointed for all seven provinces (rep 28/12/2023) [Thank God, all men: five Bahun and two Chhetri!]

NC President blames electoral system for electoral alliance (rep 22/12/2023) [Although the electoral system is supposed to guarantee inclusion and proportional representation, this is deliberately abused and circumvented by the parties and especially their leaders. Without a commitment by the parties to proportional representation in the direct election system, as already prescribed by the Interim Constitution but was never respected, adequate social inclusion cannot be achieved. Apart from this, one-party governments are becoming increasingly rare in democratic states. In Nepal today, they would be extremely unlikely even with a purely direct election system.]

By-elections for 24 vacant seats across all levels set for April 2024 (kh 21/12/2023)

NA Election: 2,074 voters with a total vote weightage of 57,559 (kh 20/12/2023)

EC allocates symbols to 12 parties for NA elections (kh 17/12/2023)

NA elections spark tug-of-war as parties vie for dominance, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh 15/12/2023), 12 political parties submit applications for NA elections (kh 15/12/2023), NC to claim 10 seats in National Assembly elections (kh 15/12/2023) [This party received just 25 per cent of the vote in the last parliamentary elections and is claiming more than 50 per cent of the vacant seats in the National Assembly? That doesn't sound very democratic!]

NA Election: UML fears seat loss, coalition tackles allocation challenges (kh 14/12/2023)

Parties gear up for National Assembly election : Some leaders withdraw their names from the closed list of PR candidates as they plan to contest upper house seats (kp 10/12/2023), Choose wise : The next set of members who enter the National Assembly will be a sign of the mindset of big parties (kp 12/12/2023) [They will never change under the current failed leadership!], Five parties register names for National Assembly elections (rep 12/12/2023)

EC summons political parties to register for upcoming NA election (kh 08/12/2023)

AESF-VI begins, to conclude by issuing Kathmandu Declaration (rep 06/12/2023)

Candidates from closed lists cannot compete in National Assembly elections: EC (rep 04/12/2023)

Kathmandu hosting International Conference on Electoral Management (kh 28/11/2023)

National Assembly set for overhaul: Chair and one-third of members exiting by March 2024 (kh 21/11/2023), National Assembly elections for 19 members likely on January 25 : The term of the 19 members of the upper house including its Chairperson Ganesh Timilsina expires on March 3, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/11/2023), EC adjusts vote weightage for coming National Assembly election (rep 23/11/2023)

EC initiates preparations for NA elections for 20 vacant seats (kh 11/11/2023)

CIAA recommends barring indicted people from election, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 19/10/2023), Poll candidates : The issue is one of integrity of those contesting the three tiers of elections (ht 20/10/2023)

EC removes Mayor Rinakumari Sah from office for leaving UML (kh 17/10/2023) [Once again, this shows the short-sightedness of the PPA. The mentioned paragraphs have their justification with regard to politicians who were elected to the House of Representatives or the Provincial Assemblies via the party lists. All directly elected persons, and this applies to all politicians at the local level, were elected in person directly by the people. Party affiliation plays only a subordinate role. But the patriarchy can rejoice that one of the very few directly elected women mayors has been ousted.]

EC prepares to register and update voter list through local level (rep 17/10/2023)

Electoral system needs to be reviewed: Lawmaker Uprety (kh 16/10/2023)

Procedure ready to register names of Nepalis abroad in voter list (kh 13/10/2023)

Full proportional system of elections : The best solution to people's dissatisfaction, by Bhrikesh Chandra Lal (ht 05/10/2023) [This is exactly the system that the Maoists had demanded before the 2008 elections. Unfortunately, like so many other goals, they have long since lost sight of this themselves!]

PM Dahal assures Nepalis living abroad of voting rights (kh 17/09/2023)

Poll body fears delay in new law's passage may block reform : The draft bill has been at the Home Ministry for more than two months which shows that it is reluctant to expedite discussions on the bill that takes years to get through both Houses of the Federal Parliament, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 16/09/2023) [Government and opposition parties obviously see their non-inclusive, unconstitutional and corrupt electoral practices in danger with electoral reform!], Timely electoral law : It would be prudent for the ministries to quickly forward election bills to the legislature (kp 18/09/2023)

Poll Reform Bill To Enhance Inclusion, by Liladhar Upadhyaya (rn 15/09/2023) [In absolutely no public sector is social inclusion even rudimentarily practised!]

EC bringing laws to stop flamboyant election campaigns, expenses (kh 09/09/2023)

Election Commission calls for speedy passage of ‘No Vote’ provision : If 51 percent of voters opt ‘No Vote’, the election becomes invalid and rejected candidates can’t run next time, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 29/08/2023), Election Commission proposes NOTA, suffrage right for Nepali citizens employed abroad, by Bal Krishna Sah (ht 29/09/2023)

It’s time to talk about electoral reforms, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 03/08/2023)

Nepali Congress leaders’ call for review of proportional election system creates buzz : Provision misused since its introduction as leaders handpick candidates close to them, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/07/2023) [The problem is the undemocratic and unconstitutional behaviour of the top politicians of all parties in nominating candidates for both the FPTP and PR systems. Here, a change in the law on political parties is urgently needed. Only the representative electoral system reflects the strength of a party. The direct election system in its present form is misused solely to ensure the dominance of the Khas Arya minority males. The promised socially inclusive state would be finally discarded.]

Poll body takes action against candidates failing to report campaign spending : It has imposed fines ranging from Rs7,000 to Rs20,000 on political parties failing to comply with legal provisions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 26/07/2023) [This smacks of political corruption, for which the fines are ridiculous!], EC fines erring candidates, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 26/07/2023), Four MPs of RSP approach Patan High Court against EC's decision to impose a fine of Rs 15,000 (rep 30/07/2023), High Court orders EC not to implement decision to fine candidate Rs 15,000 (kh 31/07/2023)

Revising electoral system : A change in the country’s electoral system cannot be decided in closed-door meetings of political parties (kp 24/07/2023)

EC fines parties failing to submit audit report on time (ht 18/07/2023)

Free and unfair : The Election Commission’s bill can ensure electoral reform. Parliament must pass it (nt 07/07/2023)

Time for NOTA, by Ayodi Prasad Yadav (ae 05/07/2023)

EC allows one to get elected as MP through PR system not more than twice (rep 03/07/2023)

EC directs parties to elect 33% women candidates in FPTP (rep 03/07/2023), Election Commission proposes two-term limit for PR candidates : In the draft bill, the poll body has proposed the provision for ‘NOTA’ and mandatory allocation of 33 percent seats for women candidates under the FPTP system, among others (kp 04/07/2023) [Article 63 of the Interim Constitution had already stipulated that the inclusion rules of the PR system should also be applied to the nomination of FPTP candidates. This did not interest the male Khas Arya at the top of the parties at that time at all. That is why they did not even include this passage in today's Constitution!], EC proposes sweeping reforms, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 04/07/2023), EC suggests NOTA ballot paper (ae 04/07/2023), Sweeping poll reforms : Political parties must be ready to pass the bill as it is to make the electoral system more effective (ht 05/07/2023) [But this is against the interests of the political leaders!]

EC proposes barring defeated candidate from contesting election in another tier for 5 years (rep 03/07/2023)

MPs from mountain region and oppressed castes treated as third-grade representatives: MP Sherpa (rep 03/07/2023)

Discussion on Changing the Electoral System : Is social inclusion falling out of reach?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh 19/06/2023)

Learning From Thailand’s Elections, by Krishnaman Pradhan (rn 14/06/2023)

Deuba moots election system change : Speaks of having in place FPTP system for HoR and PR system for National Assembly, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 11/06/2023) [Deuba pleads for the final end of social inclusion in the HoR instead of ensuring that this inclusion is also prescribed in the selection of candidates for the FPTP system! 15 percent male Khas Arya should be the absolute limit for all political levels and also for the leadership levels of political parties if Nepal's social harmony is to be maintained!]

Election Commission calls all-party meeting to discuss government decision to ‘scrap’ district poll offices : In the budget, the government announced to confine district election offices within the district administration office, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 09/06/2023), District Election Offices are to be managed differently, not dissolved: PM Dahal (kh 09/06/2023), Cross-party leaders oppose plan to scrap district election offices : Election commissioners meet prime minister to register concerns over government plan (kp 10/06/2023), Parliamentary Committee directs govt to review the decision to revoke the electoral office (kh 14/06/2023)

Teachers in politics : Most public school teachers in Nepal work with poor pay and perks, which makes them veer towards politics (kp 24/05/2023) [In no democratic country should citizens be excluded from political activity because of their profession. This is one of the fundamental rights of human beings! And why does the exclusion in Nepal, for example, not apply to rich businessmen, while an uprising is being rehearsed against poor teachers?]

Could the primary system work in Nepal? : After RSP, RPP is considering primaries to pick candidates, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 21/05/2023) [Perhaps such a procedure could finally help to make the selection of candidates socially inclusive and end the total dominance of male Khas Arya, if the latter allow it at all. So far, they consider this country as theirs!], Primary concerns : It is doubtful whether just tweaking the system to pick election candidates will improve politics (kp 22/05/2023)

EC seeks clarification from political parties, university teachers (kh 21/05/2023) [It should be the basic right of every Nepali citizen to be politically active, regardless of their everyday occupation. The Political Parties Act is discriminatory in this respect, while on the other hand it grants authoritarian powers to party leaders!], Poll body seeks clarification on Tribhuvan University teachers’ involvement in party politics : In 2021, the Patan High Court had ruled those drawing a salary and taking benefits from state coffers should not be involved in party politics (kp 25/05/2023)

By-election 2023: Swing voting or polarisation? The use of informal networks, rather than open policy debate, is still a key to winning elections, by Sanjeev Humagain (kp 05/05/2023)

Key Takeaways For Established Parties, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 02/05/2023)

Rising poll expenses : Apart from laws, public awareness is a must to ensure free, fair and impartial elections (ht 28/04/2023)

JSP’s Upendra Yadav elected from Bara-2 (kh 26/04/2023)

Swarnim Wagle elected from Tanahun-1 : The renowned economist and former vice-chair of National Planning Commission had rebelled against Nepali Congress and joined Rashtriya Swatantra Party to contest the by-election from Tanahu-1. He won by a huge margin (nlt 25/04/2023), Rabi Lamichhane secures landslide victory from Chitwan-2 : The Rastriya Swatantra Party chairman got reelected from the same constituency twice in five months with a much larger number of votes than in the November 2022 polls (nlt 25/04/2023), RSP’s Rabi Lamichhane’s remarkable victory, receives 5,000 more votes than in previous election, by Basanta Dhungana (rep 25/04/2023), For whom the bell tolls, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 25/04/2023)

Bypolls close with average 60 percent voter turnout : Elections were held in Bara-2, Tanahun-1 and Chitwan-2 with results expected to be declared by April 25, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 24/04/2023), By-election results indicate people’s declining interest in major parties: Deuba (kh 24/04/2023) [In a democratic state, the responsible leaders of these parties would resign immediately!]

Vote counting in Chitwan-2 only after all-party meeting (kh 24/04/2023)

By-election sees around 60 percent turnout (kh 23/04/2023)

Nepal votes: By-election taking place today : Voters to exercise franchise right in Bara-2, Chitwan-1 and Tanahu-1 (kh 23/04/2023), JSP leader attempting to cast double votes in Bara-2 arrested (kh 23/04/2023), Election Commission seeks 24-hour clarification from Chief Minister of Madhesh (nlt 23/04/2023), Voting stalled following scuffle between cadres of RSP and other parties in Chitwan’s Naya Kiran School polling center (kh 23/04/2023), Voting restarts in Chitwan’s polling center after RSP apologizes (rep 23/04/2023), Voting resumes at Naya Kiran Secondary School polling center in Chitwan (kh 23/04/2023), JSP cadres capture polling station in Bara (kh 23/04/2023)

Vehicular movement along Prithvi Highway to be allowed tomorrow : Local roads to remain closed tomorrow (April 23) (kh 22/04/2023) [What is this? Such a measure prevents the elderly and disabled, for example, from reaching the polling stations.]

Ensure Voting Right For All Nepalis, by Lokdeep Thapa (rn 21/04/2023)

Nepal-India border in Bara sealed for 72 hrs ahead of by-election (nlt 21/04/2023)

Parties show their strength ahead of Sunday’s elections : Bypolls are being held in Tanahun-1, Chitwan-2 and Bara-2. Election silence starts Friday (kp 21/04/2023)

EC directs to release election expenses within a week (kh 19/04/2023), EC publishes names of 74 candidates not submitting election expenses (kh 19/04/2023)

Public Financing of Elections Could be a Game-changer for Nepal, by Alok K Bohara (rep 18/04/2023)

Army to be mobilized for April 23 by-election (kh 17/04/2023)

Prime minister renews voting pledge to Nepali citizens residing abroad : Experts say enabling Nepali citizens working or studying abroad to exercise their franchise is easier said than done, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 16/04/2023) [So far, these have only been hollow promises by politicians, although the Supreme Court has long obliged the government to apply this right of Nepali citizens!], Difficult but doable : The political parties should do more than pay lip service to give voting rights to Nepalis living abroad (kp 17/04/2023)

Parties intensify by-election activities in Chitwan 2 (rn 16/04/2023)

Six organizations permitted to observe by-elections (rep 12/04/2023)

Nepal is holding bypolls in three constituencies, but election fever has gripped the entire nation : Upendra Yadav, Rabi Lamichhane and Swarnim Wagle are among the prominent contestants in the bypolls taking place on April 23, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 09/04/2023) [Another competition among the male high-caste minority elite!]

April 23 by-polls: 29 polling stations highly sensitive in Chitwan (rep 09/04/2023)

Ringing in the new : The 23 April polls will be a referendum on which among the RSP, NC, UML or JSP has more support, by Shristi Karki (nt 07/04/2023)

A keen fight : It is surprising why the Maoist Centre did not field any candidates in the three constituencies (ht 05/04/2023)

By-election battle heats up, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 05/03/2023)

Electoral Office upholds Rabi Lamichhane’s candidacy, revokes three complaints (kh 05/04/2023)

Country caught up in by-polls fervour : Two party chiefs Upendra Yadav and Rabi Lamichhane are contesting. Economist Swarnim Wagle is also in the fray, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 04/04/2023)

By-election: NC to support Upendra Yadav in Bara-2 (kh 02/04/2023), Loktantrik Samajbadi Party to support Janata Samajbadi Party’s candidate in Bara-2 by-election : Loktantrik Samajbadi Party’s Rajendra Mahato, an aspirant for the Bara-2 seat, says he won’t contest the by-election from the constituency following party chairman’s decision (kp 02/04/2023)

Swatantra Party announces bypoll candidates : Rabi Lamichhane will contest from Chitwan-2, Swarnim Wagle from Tanahun-1 and Ramesh Kharel from Bara-2 (kp 02/04/2023) [Exclusively male Bahuns in this "alternative" party too! Besides, if I don't get nominated as a candidate in one party, then I'll just switch to a more willing party.]

UML to field Sarvendra Khanal in Tanahu-1 and Ram Neupane in Chitwan-2 (kh 01/04/2023) [Thank God, both male Bahuns. That the political parties are not ashamed of their personnel policy! All this talk of social inclusion is a frace!]

26 parties registered in Tanahun and Bara for by-election (rep 31/03/2023)

Winning Bara-2 may not be easy for Yadav : Bent on barring Yadav from Parliament, Janamat set to field Maoist defector Shiv Chandra Kushwaha, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp (kp 30/03/2023), LSP leader Mahato to contest by-election from Bara-2 (rep 30/03/2023), Bara-2 by-election further polarises Madhesh politics : The ‘working alliance’ formed during Vice President election is disintegrating, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 31/03/2023)

Nepal concludes scheduled elections (kh 25/03/2023)

EC to hold by-elections in Tanahun and Bara on April 23 (rep 20/03/2023), EC asks parties to register for Tanahu-1, Bara-2 by-election by March 26 (kh 22/03/2023)

Chitwan-2 registers 631 new voters for upcoming by-election (kh 16/03/2023)

Chitwan-2 by-election: EC grants election symbols to 18 parties (kh 09/03/2023)

Polling centers set up for presidential election (kh 08/03/2023)

Parties preparing for April 23 by-election in Chitwan-2 : The lower house seat became vacant after Rabi Lamichhane, who was elected from the constituency in November, lost lawmaker status after citizenship document controversy, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 06/03/2023)

Code of conduct for presidential and vice-presidential elections to come into effect from tomorrow (rep 28/02/2023), EC issues election code of conduct for presidential, vice-presidential election (kh 28/02/2023)

MP Chaudhary demands his name be included in presidential election voter list (rep 23/02/2023), MP Chaudhary's name included in voters’ list (rep 24/02/2023)

EC publicizes names of 881 voters for Presidential election (kh 22/02/2023)

EC calls for registering parties for by-election (kh 19/02/2023)

Prez Bhandari waives fines slapped by EC to local level candidates failing to submit election expenses on time (rep 18/02/2023), Writ filed at SC against decision of President’s Office to waive fines for local level candidates (kh 22/02/2023), Cabinet decision to waive fines of local poll candidates draws flak : Government had decided to exempt fines imposed by poll commission on candidates who failed to furnish campaign spending details on time. The decision has been challenged in court, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 23/02/2023) [Laws are there to be broken for the cultivation of corruption by government, parties and politicians!]

There should be a law allowing people to vote from their place of residence: CEC Thapaliya (rep 16/02/2023)

By-election in Chitwan-2 to be held on April 23 (kh 12/02/2023), EC schedules date of registration of candidacy for by-election in Chitwan-2 (rep 15/02/2023)

NC leader Umesh Shrestha asking EC to declare him winner from Chitwan-2 (kh 05/02/2023) [Only a new election in this constituency would be a clean solution!]

Political Match-Fixing, by Narayan Manandhar (rep 04/02/2023)

EC sending back Rs three billion out of election budget (kh 03/02/2023), EC is yet to pay Rs 2 billion to various private sector service providers for election expenses (rep 10/02/2023) [???]

Landmark bill to boost women candidacy in polls : Election Commission is drafting a bill to increase women’s candidacy in all three tiers of government by a third, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/0/2023), Hope amid despair : The proposed bill to field more directly elected women candidates is a silver lining (kp 03/02/2023)

Homework underway to make 33 percent women candidates mandatory in FPTP elections to HoR and PAs: CEC Thapaliya (rep 01/02/2023), Landmark bill to boost women candidacy in polls : Election Commission is drafting a bill to increase women’s candidacy in all three tiers of government by a third, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/0/2023)

EC publishes schedule for President, Vice-President election (kh 30/01/2023)

Election Commission should immediately declare the date for the election of president : ‘It is beyond my imagination that the Commission will not declare the dates on time and fulfill its constitutional responsibility as there is absolutely no hindrance to do so’, interview with Ila Sharma, former Election Commissioner (nlt 28/01/2023)

Presidential election: When constitutional and legal terms clash : President and Vice President Election Act 2017 requires vote at least a month before the incumbent’s term ends, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 22/01/2023)

Nepal: What the Election of 2022 Denotes, by Binoj Basnyat (kh 17/01/2023)

Uphold Spirit Of PR Election System, by Sangita Subedi (rep 16/01/2023)

Not your time : The public wants the defeated candidates to stay out of Parliament for the next five years (kp 09/01/2023)

EC calls for party registration for National Assembly by-election (rep 08/01/2023)

Power sharing, inclusive politics in Nepal: Honour the constitutional principle, by Yagya Bahadur Karki (ht 06/01/2023) [When will the arrogant high-caste macho males at the top of the state and political parties finally be punished for their constant disregard of the constitution and laws? A permanent ban from political office should be the minimum punishment! This is not a trivial offence, but malicious intent!]

CPN-UML claims popularity in election race : Popularity of Nepali Congress has declined by more than seven percent and the popular votes of Maoist Centre have decreased by 2.5 percent, says UML’s election report (nlt 02/03/2023) [As is so often the case, this is not true. Only the PR votes say something about the popularity of a party. Here the result is: NC -6.97%, UML -6.31%, MC -2.53%. So they are all losers!]

EC suggests holding National Assembly by-election on February 8 (rn 02/01/2023)

EC preparing for election of President, Vice-President (rn 27/12/2022)

Women representation still remains bare minimum, by Arpana Adhikari (rn 25/12/2022)

Electioneering in South Asia : Economic difficulties are going to play a role in the electoral political narratives in the region, by Smruti P Pattanaik (kp 22/12/2022)

Electoral Mandate And Message, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn 21/12/2022)

Presidential, Vice-presidential election to be held by March 14: CEC Thapaliya (kh 19/12/2022)

5 parties have numbers to pick their President : Multiple aspirants from various parties eye the top post, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 19/12/2022)

EC will institutionalize electoral system achievements: CEC Thapaliya (kh 19/12/2022) [Urgent reforms would be more important than institutionalising shortcomings!]

Bell ringing for status-quo : The November elections were more a loss for established parties than a win for newbies, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp 18/12/2022)

40 political parties lost their bail (kh 16/12/2022)

Old Games, New Faces : A mood-based analysis of recent elections from abroad, by Uttam Paudel (rep 16/12/2022

Disabled people’s representation minimal in new Parliament (kh 15/12/2022)

Dalit community sees representation of 28 PR members in province assemblies (kh 15/12/2022) [This means 5 percent of the MPs from about 14 per cent of the population! Just imagine, in the seven provinces there would be a total of only 12 male MPs from the Bahun community who make up six per cent of the population!]

15 Dalit leaders elected to HoR under proportional category (kh 15/12/2022)

HoR, Bagmati Province Assembly to have 52 members from Kathmandu district (kh 15/12/2022)

FPTP Election: A Road Less Traveled by Women : Providing equal opportunity to women in elections is crucial to believe in women’s capacity and change stereotypes in politics, by Neelam Dhanuse (rep 15/12/2022) [Nepal's macho politicians will do everything they can to prevent this!]

EC announces HoR poll results, by Pratik Ghimire (ae 15/12/2022)

EC thanks governments for accomplishing elections (rn 14/12/2022) [And the government thanks the EC for not criticizing the lack of inclusion of women, Dalits, Janajatis and Muslims and the rigging of elections by the electoral alliance!]

November polls fail to ensure fair representation of Dalits : The representation of Dalit community in the newly elected legislature—5.81 percent— is the lowest since the 2008 Constituent Assembly, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 13/12/2022)

Doctored images and out-of-context videos spread misinformation during Nepal elections (kh 13/12/2022)

Wives, cronies and company : Old parties’ leaders have given more ammunition to those who argue that PR is irredeemably corrupt (kp 12/12/2022), Gross Misuse of PR System (rep 12/12/2022)

Assessing the election results : Experiments with coalition governments have been marred by corruption scandals, by Nishchal N Pandey (kp 12/12/2022)

More invalid votes under PR (kh 12/12/2022)

Parties can make corrections to PR list by 4 pm today: EC (kh 12/12/2022)

Election Commission lifts election code of conduct (kh 11/12/2022)

Parties pick PR candidates amid cries of unfairness : The proportional representation system, which was meant to ensure representation of marginalised groups, has been hijacked, say political analysts, by Tika R Pradhan and Nishan Khatiwada (kp 11/12/2022), Parties submit names of PR candidates (ht 11/12/2022)

EC to announce final names of PR candidates on Monday (kh 11/12/2022)

RSP submits HoR members under PR category to EC (kh 11/12/2022)

Petition demands removal of polygamous PR candidates : Lawyer registers a writ petition at the Supreme Court after appealing the Election Commission that candidates practising polygamy be denied election (kp 10/12/2022)

NC picks 32 PR lawmakers (rep 10/12/2022), NC finalizes names of 32 PR candidates for HoR (with list) (kh 10/12/2022) [Nepotism without any scruples!], NC submits name list of selected HoR members under PR (kh 11/12/2022)

Unified Socialist submits PR candidate list to EC (kh 10/12/2022)

CPN-UML Secretariat finalizes PR candidates (with list) (kh 10/12/2022)

Maoist Center submits PR candidates’ list to EC (With list) (kh 10/12/2022)

RPP finalizes seven PR lawmakers (rep 10/12/2022)

Nepal’s Elections Observation Has Transformed A Lot In The Last Three Decades, interview with Krishna Man Pradhan (sp 09/12/2022)

“Nepali People Have Lost Interest In The Existing Major Parties”, interview with SD Muni (sp 09/12/2022)

Election Musings : That the people should elect a Head of State with executive powers has been voiced by many young Nepalis contesting the elections, by Hemang Dixit (sp 09/12/2022)

Seats of power : Nepal’s political parties negotiate power-sharing deals to form a government, by Shristi Karki (nt 09/12/2022)

They are back again in the House! : Oh, no, not again, by Bishwo Gauchan (ht 09/12/2022)

Power of red flag is fading in Nepal, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 18/12/2022)

UML to send 19 female members under PR system, NC 29 (kh 08/12/2022) [Adequate social inclusion in parliament will never be achieved unless the parties dominated by high-caste males are required to apply the rules of social inclusion in the selection of candidates for the FPTP system. Khas Arya, for example, are already over-represented through the FPTP system. It is not understandable that more members of this social group have to be nominated through the PR system! The striving for adequate inclusion of all social groups, as declared after Jana Andolan II, is implausible. The ruling high-caste male elite is only interested in securing its privileges and posts!]

Here is how proportional members are elected to provincial assemblies (rep 08/12/2022), Election of 110 PR candidates: Who are on the lists of national parties?, by Sajira Shrestha (rep 09/12/2022)

With 89 seats, NC becomes largest party in HoR; UML second (kh 07/12/2022), Ruling alliance two seats shy of majority : At the end of proportional representation vote counting, the five-party alliance has 136 seats against the 138 required to prove a majority in the 275-strong House, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/12/2022), Full results out: Mathematics of parliament is now clear : Nepali Congress bags 89 seats, CPN-UML 78, CPN (Maoist Center) 32 and the Rastriya Swatantra Party 20, among others (nlt 08/12/2022)

RSP’s Poudel reaches SC demanding re-election in Rupandehi-2 (kh 06/12/2022)

Rightist tilt in Nepal : History shows that politics devoid of philosophical underpinnings last only a season, by Achyut Wagle (kp 06/12/2022)

Maoist-Center hell bent on perpetuating power, election results be damned : Here is a brief commentary on the fall and fall of CPN (Maoist-Center), a political party that used to claim itself as the most revolutionary force in Nepal until a decade ago, by Kishor Dahal (nlt 06/12/2022)

Vote counting of PR category to complete today (kh 06/12/2022), PR category: UML leading followed by NC (kh 06/12/2022)

138 lose election deposits in Saptari (kh 06/12/2022)

Nepali Congress, CPN-UML emerge as largest parties in provincial assemblies (rep 05/12/2022) [The overall result of all provinces is incidental. In a federal state, each province must be considered on its own and be independent of the politicians at the central level!], PA poll: NC wins 111 out of 330 seats, UML 91 (rn 05/12/2022)

UML gets highest number of votes under PR category (kh 05/12/2022)

FPTP: NC wins 57 seats; UML 44 (kh 05/12/2022), Results of 165 HoR seats declared, NC wins highest 57 (rep 05/12/2022), List of newly-elected HoR members (kh 05/12/2022), Results for 165 seats in HoR declared, NC wins highest 57 (rn 05/12/2022), New government expected in 2 weeks : Election Commission plans to submit the election report to President Bidya Devi Bhandari early next week, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/12/2022)

Maoist Center’s Karki elected from Dolakha (kh 05/12/2022)

Maoist and Madhesh-based parties see steep decline in electoral politics : The parties that emerged as major political forces from the 2006 people’s movement are now losing their appeal, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 04/12/2022)

We will be decisive for a majority in parliament: CK Raut (kh 04/12/2022)

10 parties get less than 5,000 votes under PR system (kh 04/12/2022)

UML ahead in PR vote count; NC following (kh 04/12/2022

NC’s Badri Pandey elected from Bajura (kh 04/12/2022)

NC’s Shahi elected to PA from Bajura (2) (kh 04/12/2022), UML’s KC clinches PA member from Dolakha (2) (kh 04/12/2022)

Changing Electoral Landscape, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn 03/12/2022)

What’s the mandate of Nov 20 polls? The message from voters is that the traditional parties should reform or they will perish, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 03/12/2022)

Patronizing Sovereign Dignity of Nepal, by GP Acharya (rep 03/12/2022)

New parliament to have seven national parties, including two new ones : Emergence of Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party and CK Raut-led Janamat Party as two new national parties (rep 03/12/2022)

Dhanraj Gurung’s victory ensured as 5,000 votes remain to be counted (kh 03/12/2022), NC’s Dhanraj Gurung elected to HoR from Syangja-2 (kh 03/12/2022)

20 candidates secure 30 thousand plus votes yet lost HoR seats (kh 03/12/2022)

Six leaders defeated central ministers in parliamentary polls, by Bal Krishna Sah (ht 03/12/2022)

Over 20 businessmen make it to parliament this election (rep 03/12/2022)

Unpacking CK Raut’s win over Upendra Yadav : Raut’s personal touch with voters and Yadav’s overreliance on caste votes are key factors. JSP blames foreign hand, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 03/12/2022)

The past is foretold in Nepal poll results : Although the arithmetic shows big parties dominate, Nepalis have sent them a clear message of dissatisfaction, by Shristi Karki (nt 02/12/2022)

Systematically Disenfranchised!, by Nishant Pokharel (rep 02/12/2022)

Mixed Outcomes Of Elections, by Shyam P Mainali (rn 02/12/2022)

Exclusionary parliament : Major parties are running out of excuses to deny election tickets to marginalised (kp 02/12/2022)

14 leaders of ‘above 70 category’ get elected in HoR (kh 02/12/2022) [They have done everything to ensure this!]

Vote counting stopped in Bajura (kh 02/11/2022)

A dozen parties ensure representation in parliament (kh 02/11/2022)

Bibeksheel Sajha Party: 200 thousand votes in 2074 BS, 789 in 2079 BS (kh 02/12/2022)

The shifting political tide in Madhes, by Manika Jha (ae 01/12/2022)

Dalit and women leaders in Karnali feel cheated : Big parties did not field any Dalit candidate for Parliament from Karnali Province, by Krishna Prasad Gautam (kp 01/12/2022)

HoR welcoming 31 indigenous members (rn 01/12/2022)

Low Voter Turnout Hints Public Resentment, by Rajendra Chataut (rn 01/12/2022)

Fix Delivery Means To Fulfill Promises, by Mukti Rijal (rn 01/12/2022)

CPN-MC, a pale shadow of its 2008 avatar : The party has not only lost its numerical strength in the HoR, but also its vote-share, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 01/12/2022)

UML becomes the largest party in Province 1 (kh 01/12/2022)

Congress reaches out to Janamat Party chief Raut to discuss new government : Raut held hour-long talks with Bimalendra Nidhi in Kathmandu (kp 01/12/2022), Janamat Party agrees to join ruling coalition with NC (kh 01/12/2022), Janmat Party sets three conditions to join NC-led coalition (kh 01/12/2022)) [??]

Nov 20 polls: Where Do We Go From Here?, by Sindhuj Thapa and Anmol Purbey (rep 01/12/2022)

Amid din of government formation, will the CPN-UML remain silent? Party members say multiple options are open including tying up with the Maoists or the Congress for a ruling coalition, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 01/12/2022), Act two, scene one : The same old men will begin fighting for the chair if the youth leaders don't intervene (kp01/12/2022), Deuba’s moment to shine : The debate on who should lead the next government has become a matter of public interest, by Siddhartha Thapa (kp 01/12/2022) [He was PM five times and did not shine. So now presumably a sixth time, although the voters have denied the ruling coalition a majority?]

PR vote count: UML gets 2.7 million votes, NC following (kh 01/12/2022), Vote count: NC continues to lead; UML following (kh 01/12/2022)

Gyanendra Bahadur Karki wins from Sundari-4 : Karki defeated Jagdish Prasad Kusiyat, a candidate of CPN-UML, by a margin of 112 votes (nlt 01/12/2022)

Voting underway in 10 polling centers of Dolakha (kh 01/12/2022)

Indecisive election results: Now the battle for new government : Nepal's federal parliament constitutes 275 members of parliament. As many as 138 lawmakers are necessary to establish a majority and claim the premiership. So who will lead Nepal’s next government?, by Dhan Bahadur Khadka (nlt 30/11/2022) [In democratic states, now would be the moment for politicians to admit defeat, retire from office and ambitions for power, and make way for a younger generation! But Nepal's failed politicians have already started thinking about how to form a new government without a parliamentary majority.]

New House of Representatives to be less inclusive : As proportional representation votes are scattered among parties, women, Dalits, Janajatis will be underrepresented, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 30/11/2022) [This is the outspoken goal of the political parties totally dominated by male Khas Arya! The fact that another 30 per cent Khas Aryas are nominated via the PR system contradicts all statements on inclusion!]

Two new forces enter federal parliament as national parties : Rabi Lamichhane’s Rastriya Swatantra Party and CK Raut’s Janamat Party make the cut after the election results pour in, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/11/2022)

All bills in HoR inactive, bills in National Assembly remain unchanged (rep 30/11/2022)

Election deposits of nine candidates, including one from UML, confiscated in Kailali-1, by Yogesh Rawal (rep 30/11/2022), 168 poll candidates' deposits forfeited in Rautahat (ht 30/11/2022)

Youth As Leaders, by Dixya Poudel (rn 30/11/2022

Parties fail to garner majority in Provincial Assemblies (kh 30/11/2022), Karnali: The candidates who couldn’t get even 100 votes, by Govinda KC (rep 30/11/2022)

Worth the investment? Failure to maintain financial transparency in political parties allows for the criminalisation of politics, by Shristi Rai (kp 30/11/2022)

EC decides to kick off vote count in Bajura and Syangja-2 (kh 30/11/2022)

Polls in Madhesh: JSP and LSP lose ground (kh 30/11/2022)

NC’s Narayan Khadka elected from Udayapur-1 (kh 30/11/2022), FPTP members elected to HoR so far (kh 30/11/2022)

Message from Nepali voters : This time, there were thousands who joined the fray with little resources or connections, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 29/11/2022)

Crystal gazing Nepal’s next five years : The independents contested the election to clean up the country’s politics and fight corruption, by Naresh Koirala (kp 29/11/2022)

Ruling Coalition In Driving Seat, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 29/11/2022)

Parties flouted laws, used children in elections, by Ruby Rauniyar (rep 29/11/2022)

Sarlahi sends no woman member into HoR, elects one under PA (kh 29/11/2022)

Over 9.6 million votes counted under PR category: EC (kh 29/11/2022), UML continues leading PR vote count with 2,607,472 votes (kh 29/11/2022)

Parties agree to resume vote counting in Communication Minister Karki's constituency (rep 29/11/2022), Counting of votes resumes in Udayapur-1, UML boycotts, by Maheshwor Chamling Rai (rep 29/11/2022)

UML stands first, NC second in Madhesh in Nov 20 elections (kh 29/11/2022)

UML’s Mahaseth elected from Dhanusha-4 (kh 29/11/2022)

UML’s Mahato clinches PA seat from Dhanusha 4(2) (kh 29/11/2022), UML’s Hari Narayan defeats Madhesh Province minister in Dhanusha-4 (B), by Surendra Yadav (rep 29/11/2022)

FPTP members elected to HoR so far (kh 29/11/2022)

Youth voice: What youths expect from faces of hope in parliament, by Sharana Sherpa and Anjali Shukla (nlt 28/11/2022),
Old parties failed to understand the new generation : The political template of Congress and Communists are decades old. Closed camps and cadre training don't work so well in the age of social media, interview with Krishna Khanal (kp 28/11/2022), Over 60 former MPs face defeat in parliamentary election (rep 28/11/2022)

Economic promises and challenges : None of the manifestos explains how to mobilise resources and enhance administration, by Chandan Sapkota (kp 28/11/2022)

Is communist alliance in the making? Poor performance of CPN (Maoist Center) in federal parliament polls and desperation of KP Oli and CPN-UML leaders to return to power indicate the possibility. But observers are not so sure (nlt 28/11/2022)

Nepal : Fractured Mandate, by Ajit Kumar Singh (SAIR 28/11/2022)

Parties Move To Form New Government, by Ballav Dahal (rn 28/11/2022)

Women representation nil under FPTP in Karnali province : Single candidate to represent Dalits (kh 28/11/2022)

On their own merit : If talent is discouraged in political parties, those committed to public service will seek alternatives (kp 28/11/2022)

Exploitation fears as more contractors become lawmakers : Stakeholders say contractor-turned lawmakers could misuse their influence to skew laws and policies in their favour, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 28/11/2022) [Teachers and other people in the public service are not allowed to run, but people who have a great economic advantage from their election are!]

Candidates begin submitting election spending (kh 28/11/2022), EC directs candidates and parties to submit election expenses within15 days (kh 28/11/2022), EC instructs candidates to submit their election expenses within 35 days (rep 28/11/2022)

Dang sees 5.92 percent votes invalid (kh 28/11/2022)

PR votes: UML leading followed by Nepali Congress (kh 28/11/2022), 15 percent votes under PR yet to be counted (kh 28/11/2022)

FPTP members elected to HoR so far (kh 28/11/2022)

Re-election to be held in Dolakha on Dec 1 (kh 28/11/2022), Repolling in 10 Dolakha booths on December 1 (ht 28/11/2022)

JSP’s Ashok Rai elected from Sunsari-1 (kh 28/11/2022)

Contours of post-election politics : Democracy seems to have become stronger with the popular quest for alternatives, by Lok Raj Baral (kp 27/11/2022), The ambition of politicians and the will of voters : Attempt of a first election analysis, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (Nepal Observer 27/11/2022) [see also Khabarhub 29/11/2022]

Ruling alliance fails to stop UML : Dissimilar ideologies of the parties in the coalition seems to have not favoured them, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 27/11/2022), Maoists had difficulties winning elections even in their bastions, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 27/11/2022), Deuba, Dahal commit to saving the alliance : KP Sharma Oli has also been reaching out to other parties to build a coalition he can lead, by Anil Giri (kp 27/11/2022) [The message from the voters is clear: Not these old failed politicians again! Without the manipulations of the top politicians, this message would have been much clearer!]

60 former MPs defeated in election (kh 27/11/2022)

Voters reject candidates favoured by top leaders : The trend reflects people’s growing frustration with the top brass and how the political parties are run, analysts say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 27/11/2022)

Voters’ Expectations, by Parmeshwar Devkota (rn 27/11/2022), Writing Is On The Wall For Parties, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 27/11/2022)

EC will decide on vote count resumption in Bajura, Syangja and Dolakha soon: Spokesperson Paudel (kh 27/11/2022), EC decides to hold re-election in 10 polling stations in Dolakha (kh 27/11/2022)

What caused lower voters turnout in this election?, by Ranju Kafle (rn 27/11/2022)

80 percent votes under PR counted so far: EC (kh 27/141/2022)

Election results of all districts but for three will come by November 29: EC (kh 27/11/2022)

General Election2022: Results of 157 seats under FPTP out (kh 27/11/2022)

Results of 156 constituencies out, Congress lead winning 51 seats : Nepali Congress has won 51 seats, followed by CPN-UML with 41 seats. Likewise, CPN (Maoist) and CPN (Unified Socialist) and Rastriya Swatantra Party have won 17 seats, 10 seats, and seven seats, respectively (nlt 27/11/2022), As counting nears end, picture of new House emerges : Congress leads in first-past-the-post tally, UML hopes to catch up with proportional representation votes, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 27/11/2022)

UML’s Subash Nemwang elected from Ilam-2 (kh 27/11/2022), UML’s Mahato elected from Mahottari-1 (kh 27/11/2022), NC’s Dig Limbu wins HoR seat from Morang-1 (kh 27/11/2022), UML’s Basnet elected from Ilam-1 defeating Jhalanath Khanal (kh 27/11/2022)

RPP wins 7 seats in Bagmati State Assembly (kh 27/11/2022), 14 CMs in five years: 7 won elections, two lost (rep 27/11/2022), Ruling coalition clinches victory in majority seats in Karnali PA (kh 27/11/2022)

Members elected to HoR so far (kh 27/11/2022)

PR votes: UML leading followed by Nepali Congress (kh 27/11/2022)

Counting of votes uncertain in Bajura (kh 27/11/2022)

Vote count in Sunsari-4 postponed since Saturday evening (kh 27/11/2022)

Remarkable Electoral Shifts, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn 26/11/2022)

Caste-based voting on the wane in Madhesh, poll results suggest : As society becomes more diverse, the province has started to look more at candidates’ vision than their ethnicity, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 26/11/2022)

Established Madhes parties lose vote share to new outfits, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 26/11/2022)

Rabi Lamichhane discloses his election expenditure (kh 26/11/2022)

All candidates of ruling alliance win election in Karnali Province (kh 26/11/2022)

Khanal demands for reelection in Ilam (rep 26/11/2022)

Vote count halts in Sunsari-4 (kh 26/11/2022), ‘Communication minister demanded recounting of votes after he was certain to lose’ (rep 27/11/2022)

UML is losing ground in Gandaki Province. Congress making gains : In 2017, UML alone won 13 lower house seats from Gandaki, but this time its tally has reduced to just five, by Lal Prasad Sharma (kp 26/11/2022), Beating all odds, CPN–UML becomes leading force in Madhesh Province : But split cost the party dearly in Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/11/2022), NC’s Acharya elected HoR member from Kapilvastu-2 (kh 26/11/2022), RPP candidate Bohara defeats incumbent Home Minister Khand in Rupandehi-3 (rep 26/11/2022), Maoist Center’s Amanlal Modi wins from Morang-4 (kh 26/11/2022), NC’s Tejulal Chaudhary elected from Saptari-4 (kh 26/11/2022), RPP’s Bikram Pandey turns victorious in Chitwan-3 (kh 26/11/2022), NC’s Shahi clinches victory in Mugu (kh 26/11/2022), NC’s Mahendra Ray Yadav wins in Mahottari-4 (kp 26/11/2022), NC and UML garner over 2 million votes under PR category (kh 26/11/2022), Mahindra Raya Yadav elected from Sarlahi-2 (kh 26/11/2022)

PR vote count: UML leading followed by NC and RSP (kh 26/11/2022), PR votes: UML still ahead followed by NC and Maoist Center (kh 26/11/2022), PR Votes: Maoist Center takes a lead against Rastriya Swatantra Party, UML continues the lead as NC trails behind it (rep 26/11/2022), NC and UML garner over 2 million votes under PR category (kh 26/11/2022), 7.6 million votes counted under PR category: EC (kh 26/11/2022), 7.6 million votes counted under proportional category (rep 26/11/2022)

Re-poll in Bajura's Budhinanda today (rn 26/11/2022)

Panel formed to probe deaths following vote-related dispute (ht 26/11/2022)

Update: Members elected to HoR (kh 26/11/2022), JSP’s Raj Kishor elected from Siraha-2 (kh 26/11/2022),

UML’s Malla clinches PA seat in Mugu (1) (kh 26/11/2022), NC wins PA seat in Nuwakot 2(2) (kh 26/11/2022)

Vox Populi : The people have spoken: they do not want business as usual in politics (nt 25/11/2022), The Nepali people have spoken : Voters have made their dissatisfaction with the country’s serial politicians clear: shape up or ship out, by Sonia Awale (nt 25/11/2022)

The underdogs have won. Now what? The next five years will be crucial, not just for the newer parties, but also for the older lot, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 25/11/2022)

Expat push key to Swatantra Party’s electoral success : Migrant workers and students studying abroad had urged their family members back in Nepal to cast their votes in favour of RSP this election, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 25/11/2022), RSP, new kid on the block, chimes with voters : Wins five parliamentary seats in valley, placed 3rd in PR vote count, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 25/11/2022)

Women participation in HoR: Seven get directly elected, two still leading (kh 25/11/2022) [Besides 158 males: this is what the patriarchal party leaders call appropriate and "inclusive"!], Women candidates in HoR and PA elections of 2079 BS, by Smriti Dhungana (rep 25/11/2022)

Polls largely fair : The govt and the EC have failed to ensure the voting right of the Nepali migrant workers (ht 25/11/2022) [Elections that are dominated and manipulated by the Tagadhari, especially Bahun patriarchy and discriminate against women, Janajatis, Madheshis, Dalits and Muslims can hardly be called fair!]

Lingden lifts Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s status in the House : On Thursday evening, the party’s share of proportional representation votes was 7 percent, by Binod Ghimire (kp 25/11/2022) [The improvement of the RPP must also be attributed primarily to the bad policies and largely failed manipulations of the erstwhile major parties. The probably 6 or 7 per cent share in the PR vote shows that people do not really want a return to Hindu state and monarchy!]

Problem persists in three districts as Election Commission fails to resolve issues : The body is studying the disputes and has announced re-polls at a centre in Bajura (kp 25/11/2022)

14,849 votes invalid in HoR, PA poll in Kailali-3 (rn 25/11/2022)

UML’s Mainali elected HoR member from Bara-1 (kh 25/11/2022), NC’s Yadav elected HoR member from Dhanusha-2 (kh 25/11/2022), UML’s Mahato elected to HoR from Dhanusha-3 (kh 25/11/2022), NC’s Dr. Shekhar Koirala elected from Morang-6 (kh 25/11/2022), NC candidate wins HoR seat from Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta East)-2 (kh 25/11/2022), RPP’s Dhruba Pradhan elected from Nawalparasi-2 (kh 25/11/2022), Panchthar: UML’s candidate Nembang wins HoR seat (kh 25/11/2022), UML’s Uprety wins HoR seat from Sarlahi-3 (kh 25/11/2022), UML’s Gokul Baskota ensures victory in Kavre-2 (kh 25/11/2022), NC’s Dilli Raj Pant elected from Kailali-5 (kh 25/11/2022), UML’s Pradip Gyawali concedes defeat : "I take responsibility for adverse results" (kh 25/11/2022), UML’s Gurung clinches HoR seat from Kaski-1 (kh 25/11/2022), Birendra Mahato of JSP wins from Siraha-4 (rep 25/11/2022), UML’s Gaire elected HoR member from Palpa-2 (kh 25/11/2022), NUP’s Chaudhary wins from Kailali 2 (kh 25/11/2022), NC’s Sunil Sharma gets elected from Morang-3 (kh 25/11/2022), UML’s Acharya wins HoR seat from Palpa-1 (kh 25/11/2022), Mahantha Thakur clinches HoR seat from Mahottari-3 (kh), NC’s Thapa wins from Syangja-1 (kh 25/11/2022), UML leader Bishnu Poudel elected from Rupandehi-2 (kh 25/11/2022)

Pathak elected PA member from Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta West)-1 (1) (kh 25/11/2022), UML’s Maharjan elected PA member from Lalitpur 3(2) (kh 25/11/2022), UML’s Basnet wins in Sunsari-1 (A), by Rohit Rai (rep 25/11/2022), NC’s Karki wins in Morang-6 (B) (rep 25/11/2022), Minister Shahi elected in Dolpa (B) (rep 25/11/2022), Maoist Center’s Shrestha wins PA member from Ramechhap (kh 25/11/2022)

The stark message of elections, by Shiva P Tiwari (ae 24/11/2022), What are the new prime minister’s biggest challenges?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 24/11/2022), Lessons from election (ae 24/11/2022)

The scrutiny of incoming Swatantra Party lawmakers has already begun : While some find party’s lack of clear ideology troubling, others reckon its ranks of field experts will serve well, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 24/11/2022)

In Madhesh, political ground is shifting : Fourteen years after the Madhesh movement, voters have punished its major faces in the recent polls, by Binod Ghimire (kp 24/11/2022), CK Raut’s Janamat Party emerges as a strong regional force : His victory surprised many as his party’s performance during the May local elections had been dismal, Abdhesh Kumar Jha & Santosh Singh (kp 24/11/2022)

Times they’re changing : The rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party reflects the passion for change among Nepali voters (kp 24/11/2022)

Sobita Gautam and Dr Toshima Karki: New faces kindling hope in Kathmandu and outside : They did not resort to blame-game, their election campaign was sober and comparatively frugal. Rise of Sobita Gautam and Dr Toshima Karki has now ignited a new hope among youths, by Sharana Sherpa (nlt 24/11/2022)

Rise of rebels, fall of ‘yes-men’ : General secretaries of CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist lost the elections while the general secretaries duo of Nepali Congress won the race, by Dhan Bahadur Khadka (nlt 24/11/2022)

Polling for Nepal's parliament 2022: Ballot box or cyber-voting?, by Anand Aditya (ht 24/11/2022)

Defining Contours Of Democracy, by Mukti Rijal (rn 24/11/2022)

Stability For Sustainable Development, by Bishnu Prasad Khanal (rn 24/11/2022)

Vote count of 88 constituencies concludes; NC wins 33 seats, UML 19 and Maoist Center nine seats (rep 24/11/2022), Members elected to HoR so far (kh 24/11/2022)

Maoist Center secures PA seats from Sindhupalchok (kh 24/11/2022), CPN-UML wins PA seats from Gulmi-2 (kh 24/11/2022), Results of PA elections 2022 so far (kh 24/11/2022), Lakshman Kishore Chaudhary wins PA seat from Kailali-1B (rep 24/11/2022), Anurag Khadka wins in Dang-1 (rep 24/11/2022), UML's Menyangwo elected province assembly member from Taplejung A (rep 24/11/2022), Vindu Kumar Thapa wins in Kaski-2B (rep 24/11/2022), Janmajaya Timilsina elected provincial assembly member from Bardia 2 A (rep 24/11/2022), Sakil Mia of Janamat Party wins Province Assembly seat from Saptari-1(B) (rep 24/11/2022)

Shishir Khanal wins from Kathmandu-6 (nlt 23/11/2022), Yogesh Bhattarai elected from Taplejung (nlt 23/11/2022), Gokarna Bista elected from Gulmi-2 for third consecutive time (nlt 23/11/2022), CK Raut elected from Saptari-2 with a wide margin (nlt 23/11/2022), Pradip Poudel elected from Kathmandu-5 : Poudel defeated CPN-UML leader Ishwar Pokharel by 5,065 votes (nlt 23/11/2022), Sobita Gautam elected from Kathmandu-2 (nlt 23/11/2022), Sher Bahadur Deuba elected for seventh consecutive time from Dadeldhura (nlt 23/11/2022), RSP’s Dr. Toshima Karki elected from Lalitpur-3 (kh 23/11/2022), Unified Socialist candidate registers first win from Achham (kh 23/11/2022), NC’s Thani secures HoR seat from Surkhet-2 (kh 23/11/2022), RPP’s Rana elected from Banke Constituency-2 (kh 23/11/2022), NC’s Rajendra KC elected from Kathmandu Constituency-10 (kh 23/11/2022), Maoist Center’s Ghartimar gets elected from Rukum East (kh 23/11/2022), Resham Chaudhary’s father Lalveer Chaudhary wins in Bardiya-2 (kh 23/11/2022), Nagarik Unmukti Party turns victorious in all seats in Kailali-3 (kh 23/11/2022), JSP’s Pradeep Yadav wins from Parsa-1 (kh 23/11/2022), JSP’s Pradeep Yadav wins from Parsa-1 (kh 23/11/2022), Maoist Center’s Devendra Poudel elected from Baglung-2 (kh 23/11/2022), NC candidate Ramhari Khatiwada wins from Okhaldhunga (kh 23/11/2022), NC candidate Ajay Chaurasiya wins in Parsa-2 (kh 23/11/2022), UML Chair KP Oli wins by a huge margin in Jhapa-5 (kh 23/11/2022), Unified Socialist’s Kisan Shrestha elected from Bara-4 (kh 23/11/2022), NC leader Lekhak wins in Kanchanpur-3 (kh 23/11/2022), KC of Rastriya Janamorcha wins HoR seat from Baglung-1 (rep 23/11/2022)

NC’s Ale gets victory in Province Assembly from Tanahun (kh 23/11/2022), UML’s Dhami becomes victorious in Darchula PA-1 (kh 23/11/2022), RPP wins in both PA seats in Kathmandu-2 (kh 23/11/2022), NC makes clean sweep in Kathmandu-1 (kh 23/11/2022), CPN-UML’s Pachhai wins PA seat in Jumla (kh 23/11/2022)

Validation of the existing order : Voters have validated the status quo with their participation as well as abstention, by CK Lal (kp 23/11/2022)

A eulogy to unfact : During election campaigns, when truth is reduced to pithy slogans, facts are far from simple errors of details, by Dharma Adhikari (kp 23/11/2022)

Nepalis Vote For A Change, by Namrata Sharma (rn 23/11/2022)

After ballot paper mix-up, calls grow for shift to electronic voting : Election observers blame polling officers for the problem, by Bijnod Ghimire (kp 23/11/2022)

135 election employees awaiting rescue in Upper Dolpa (kh 23/11/2022)

Shape up or ship out : The major political forces must start the long process of their renewal right now. They have been adequately warned (kp 22/11/2022), The mavericks are coming : The parties should get the message that the Nepali people are getting tired of their ways, by Achyut Wagle (kp 22/11/2022)

Newer parties could make gains in Nepal's election, analysts say (ht 22/11/2022)

Voters Indifferent To Poll, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 22/11/2022)

UML’s Shrestha wins HoR election from Kathmandu-9 (nlt 22/11/2022)

NC candidate Patel elected PA member from Parsa-2 A (rn 22/11/2022)

NC wins PA seat in Rasuwa-1 (kh 22/11/2022)

RPP wins Province Assembly seat in Kathmandu- 2(1) (kh 22/11/2022)

Nagarik Unmukti Party’s Chaudhary wins in Kailali-3 (kh 22/11/2022), What is the Nagarik Unmukti Party about? Here is basic information about the Nagarik Unmukti Party that is emerging as a new force in west Terai of Nepal (nlt 22/11/2022)

Prakash Man Singh re-elected from Kathmandu-1 : Nepali Congress leader won for the fourth time beating Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Rabindra Mishra by just 125 votes (nlt 22/11/2022), Gagan Thapa elected from Kathmandu-4
Thapa has garnered 21,302 votes, while his nearest rival Bhattarai secured 13,855 (nlt 22/11/2022)

Congress takes lead in preliminary vote counting : Rastriya Swatantra Party makes an encouraging entry into national politics (kp 22/11/2022)

When Nepal stops : Government service delivery comes to a halt during elections. The cost is evident all around (kp 21/11/2022) [The way in which elections are organised is irrational and in many respects represents a serious restriction of basic civil rights!], Heavy security presence at polling centres perplexes tourists, by Bal Krishna Sah (ht 21/11/2022)

Federal parliament election 2022 result: Prem Bahadur Maharjan wins from Lalitpur-2 : CPN-UML candidate Prem Bahadur Maharjan has been elected to federal parliament from Lalitpur Constituency-2 (nlt 21/11/2022)

Vote counting halted in Gorkha district as dispute escalates over election-rigging : The vote counting process has not yet started in Gorkha where Maoist chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal is one of the contenders (nlt 21/11/2022)

‘Back-to-back elections also led to low voter turnout : ‘People say why give the same old parties another chance when they have failed to perform, repeatedly’, interview with Sanjeev Humagain (kp 21/11/2022)

What does the result of the initial vote count suggest?, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 21/11/2022)

NC’s Sherchan elected to Mustang’s Provincial Assembly (B) (kh 21/11/2022)

NC candidate Gurung wins from Mustang in Gandaki Province Assembly (kh 21/11/2022), NC's Namdu Gurung wins Province Assembly seat from Mustang (rn 21/11/2022)

Nepali Congress wins HoR seat in Mustang (nlt 21/11/2022), Yogesh becomes centre of attraction in Mustang political scene after winning election (rn 21/11/2022)

Vote counting of FPTP, PR being conducted simultaneously (kh 21/11/2022)

NA defuses homemade bomb in Dhankuta (kh 21/11/2022)

Sunday’s elections a test for old players, newcomers alike : Except for the 1999 elections, independent candidates have always won seats in Nepal’s parliament, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 21/11/2022)

Nepal votes 2022: Frustrated with mainstream parties, many voters stay away from polling booths : Observers say a variety of other reasons have contributed to the low turnout of voters at federal parliament and provincial assemblies elections (nlt 20/11/2022), Nepal Elections: Voter turnout of 61 percent; counting to start tonight : The voter turnout in the last elections in 2017 was around 70 percent. It was 60 percent and 78 percent in 2008 and 2013 Constituent Assembly elections (nlt 20/11/2022), Around 61 percent cast votes in largely peaceful polls : Disputes and incidents of violence were reported in some places, with one death and several injuries. Repolling required in 15 centres across provinces, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 21/11/2022) ["Peaceful" looks different!], Polling marred by incidents of violence in some districts : Police fire warning shots at some stations to disperse crowds. One person died from bullet wounds while 3, including a policeman, got injured in Bajura, by Arjun Shah (kp 21/11/2022), Frustration with old guard cited as main reason for relatively low turnout : Without independent candidates and new parties, the voter turnout would have been lower still, observers say, by Nishan Khatiwada and Anup Ojha (kp 21/11/2022)

Unequal votes: The undemocratic election system of Nepal : Having population as the criterion for electoral constituency delineation will not do any justice to the actual constituents. The number of voters should be the main basis for constituency delineation, by Sindhuj Thapa (nlt 20/11/2022)

Rampant use of minors in election campaigning reported : Authorised monitoring teams have reported as many as 165 incidents of use of minors in poll-related activities, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/11/2022)

Thousands of eligible citizens outside constituencies denied voting rights : The election commission should have come up with an arrangement to allow eligible voters based anywhere within the country to vote, experts say (kp 20/11/2022)

Foreign election observers make election supervision (rep 20/11/2022), 46 organizations, including two foreign ones, observe Sunday’s election (kh 20/11/2022)

Elderly voters return after security personnel tell them not to take keys to polling station (rep 20/11/2022) [?????]

Controversy in Dhanusha and Saptari after provincial assemblies’ ballot papers given instead of HoR ballot paper (rep 20/11/2022)

EC directs not to postpone voting over minor disputes (rep 20/11/2022)

What sets this election apart : The country goes to polls amid rising frustration, decline of ideology and advent of some promising new forces, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 20/11/2022)

Winds of change as country is geared to vote (kp 20/11/2022)

Day of voters’ freedom : Voters know that lust for power and position dominates the atmosphere of democratic politics, by Abhi Subedi (kp 20/11/2022)

Rise of Rastriya Swatantra Party due to frustration with major parties Which parties will suffer due to rise of Swatantra Party? How will ruling coalition and UML fare?, by Ameet Dhakal (Setopati 20/11/2022)

A story of working class couple for whom elections meant literally nothing : "We have to work for a square meal a day. If we don't work, we'll have nothing to eat. We get sound sleep only when we have a decent meal" (nlt 20/11/2022)

Polls Landmark For Federal Republic, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 20/11/2022)

How is Nepal voting? Know about Nepal’s federal and provincial assembly elections (nlt 20/11/2022)

Voting taking place enthusiastically in peaceful environment: Observers (kh 20/11/2022) (related to Kathmandu)

Election: Scheduled time for casting votes concludes (kh 20/11/2022), Voting time for general election is over (rep 20/11/2022), Voting put off in 15 polling stations across the country: Election Commission (rep 20/11/2022)

Police fire in air as Biplav faction tries to disrupt election in Chitwan (kh 20/11/2022), Election obstruction attempt foiled in Chitwan, by Saligram Nepal (rn 20/11/2022), Voting affected as explosion takes place at Khairapur polling station in Bardiya (kh 20/11/2022), Bomb explodes in Khairapur polling station in Bardiaya (kh 20/11/2022), Firing in five districts, hoax bombs in 27 places, voting postponed in 11 centers (kh 20/11/2022), Violent activities during elections; police fire warning shots in five districts : Police fire warning shots to quash clashes in Siraha, Bajura, Chitwan, Dolkha and Rautahat district (nlt 20/11/2022), Voting underway despite bomb explosion outside Shirise polling station in Ilam (rep 20/11/2022), NA team disposes bomb found in Gorkha polling station, by Narhari Sapkota (rep 20/11/2022), Voting continues despite explosion at Sharada Secondary School Polling Station in Kailali, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep 20/11/2022), Police open blank fire in Doti, voting resumes, by Keshav Chandra Mahara (rn 20/11/2022), People injured in clash at Humla polling station (kh 20/11/2022), Firing in Tamakoshi polling station in Dolakha, one policeman injured (kh 20/11/2022), Ballot box catches fire in Bajura (kh 2011/2022), Ballot boxes set on fire in Bajura (rep 20/11/2022), Ballot box torched in Nawalparasi, by Basanta Dhungana (rep), Voting suspended in 15 centres (kh 20/11/2022), Police opens 53 rounds of blank fire in five districts (kh 20/11/2022), Police fire 38 rounds of aerial shots in 8 districts, voting postponed at 63 places (rep 20/11/2022), One dies in election clash between two sides (rep 20/11/2022), One killed in Bajura as police opens fire (rep 20/11/2022), One dead as police open fire during clash at polling station in Bajura : Three injured have been medevaced to Kathmandu for treatment, by Arjun Shah (kp 20/11/2022), Army conducts air patrols in sensitive areas of Rolpa and Rukum (rep 20/11/2022), Voting suspended in Surkhet due to dispute (rep 20/11/2022), Three arrested for allegedly disrupting voting process in Rukum (West), Voting affected in 44 election centres across 25 districts, by Mahesh KC (kp 20/11/2022), Police officer injured while firing warning shot : Security personnel on duty were compelled to open fire to contain the situation, said police, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 20/11/2022)

Inmates of the Central Jail cast votes (kh 20/11/2022), Central jail inmates cast vote (kh 20/11/2022), 20 inmates in Kalikot jail cast their votes (rep 20/11/2022), 348 prisoners cast votes in Karnali (rep 20/11/2022)

Voting underway in peaceful manner at all polling stations in Banke (rep 20/11/2022)

General Election 2022: Voting underway in Nepal (kh 20/11/2022), 32 percent voting across the country until 12.45pm (kh 20/11/2022), 52 percent votes cast in Lalitpur district till 3:00 pm (kh 20/11/2022), More than 50 percent votes cast in Mustang and Manang, by Santosh Pokharel (rep 20/11/2022), 70.67 percent votes casts in Manang (rep 20/11/2022), 64 percent votes cast in Rasuwa by 3:30PM (rep 20/11/2022), 45 percent votes cast in Ilam as of 3:30PM (rep 20/11/2022), 60 percent of votes cast in Dang (rep 20/11/2022), 55 percent votes cast in 10 constituencies of Kathmandu (kh 20/11/2022), Preliminary report puts 60 percent voter turnout in today’s HoR and PA elections (kh 20/11/2022)

A look back at Nepal’s democratic elections, since 1959 : Nepal has conducted seven elections to parliament, including two to the Constituent Assembly. Today’s is the eighth, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 20/11/2022)

Lack of citizenship robs youths of voting rights : The state has discriminated against the children of those who acquired citizenship by birth, say civil society leaders, by Bhusan Yadav and Laxmi Sah (kp 19/11/2022) [The highest responsibility lies with Ms Bhandari. Whatever the president says, she had to sign the amendment recently, according to the constitution. Was it obeisance to KP Oli because he feared dissenting votes from the youth in the Tarai for his conduct in the 2015/16 Tarai movement?]

Rise of young, independent candidates a worrying sign for ageing political leaders, by Santosh Sharma Poudel (rep 19/11/2022)

Four polling booths in Manang have less than 100 voters (rep 19/11/2022)

Commitment on road safety in the parties’ manifestos: Will they be implemented? This is likely the first time in Nepal's history that clear electoral promises have been made regarding both public transport and road safety, by Prakriti Aryal (nlt 19/11/2022)

Government geared to address security threats during election : Home Secretary Binod Prakash Singh said district administration offices have seized 2,025 small arms to minimise the security threat, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 19/11/2022)

The right and responsibility to vote : Every vote matters and those who are eligible to vote, experts advise, should not squander the opportunity, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 19/11/2022)

EC cracks whip against poll code violators : Cancels seven development projects that urban development ministry okayed on Thursday (ht 19/11/2022)

International poll observers arrive in Nepal : Observation mainly involves field monitoring of election by one or more independent parties (ht 19/11/2022)

30 media outlets violate code of conduct: PCN (kh 19/11/2022)

Security beefed up in PM Deuba’s home district Dadeldhura (kh 19/11/2022)

Police nab ‘anti-election’ demonstrators in Kathmandu (kh 19/11/2022)

Suspicious object found at three places in Chitwan (rep 19/11/2022)

Suspicious objects being planted to spread panic (kh 19/11/2022)

Myagdi sees beatings, burning of motorbikes and vandalism during the silent period (rep 19/11/2022)

UML candidate Niraula under police custody on charges of distributing money to influence votes (rep 19/11/2022)

Election silence has largely been honoured, observers say : Interpretations vary of the political parties and their candidates paying for bus rides to voters’ home districts across the country (kp 19/11/2022)

100,000 leave Valley on Friday for vote : Major boarding points such as Koteshwar, Jadibuti, Lokanthali, Kalanki and Balku remained packed with people catching buses to destinations outside the Valley (kp 19/11/2022), People leave Kathmandu Valley in droves to cast vote, most voters want to elect youth candidates (rep 19/11/2022)

Three prisons in Kathmandu Valley prepare for conducting voting (rn 19/11/2022)

Nov 20: Govt mobilizes 34,838 armed police personnel (kh 19/11/2022)

NHRC urges all parties to play a constructive role in conducting elections in a free and fair environment (rep 19/11/2022)

Caste Vote : Even more than in previous elections political parties are falling back on caste vote banks because of the absence of party ideology, by Chandra Kishore (nt 18/11/2022)

Depending on independents : Urban voters are disenchanted with traditional politics, but established parties still hold sway in districts, by Shristi Karki (nt 18/11/2022)

Dejected voters reject polls : Fed up with empty assurances and wild promises, villagers decide to collectively boycott Sunday's elections, by Anita Bhetwal (nt 18/11/2022)

Voters cynical about electoral alliances : Party ties for the 20 November polls confuse and divide citizens across the Inner Tarai and Madhes Province, by Namrata Sharma (nt 18/11/2022)

“No Not Again”: What Nepalis need to be aware of?, by Diwakar Dhakal (rep 18/11/2022)

Upcoming election: A test of Nepali voters, by Nir Bahadur Karki (ht 18/11/2022)

Everything you need to know about the controversial Constituency Development Fund (nlt 18/18/2022) [A fund exclusively for directly elected MPs who were previously nominated in an extremely socially non-inclusive way by the high-caste leadership of the parties!]

Govt decides to increase surveillance on Biplav-led NCP : Nepal Army's bomb disposal team at 900 locations (kh 18/11/2022)

Vote wisely : Those voting in the upcoming elections will have a big responsibility on their shoulders (kp 18/11/2022)

Nepal votes 2022: The country observes ‘Silence Period’, EC urges all not to violate laws : “Violation of the Silence Period that has been enforced since midnight in view of the elections to the Member of the House of Representatives and Province Assembly is punishable by laws” (nlt 18/11/2022)

All preparations for Nov 20 election complete: EC (kh 18/11/2022), Election materials, security personnel arrive at all voting stations (kh 18/11/2022), Election materials, officials sent in helicopters to Upper Dolpa (kh 18/11/2022)

EC seeks clarifications from Rural Municipality Chief, administrative officer (kh 18/11/2022)

Major trading post in Birgunj closed for 72 hours (kh 18/11/2022)

Election Commission fines Manange Rs 25,000 (kh 19/11/2022)

Contest Of Old And New Faces, by Tirtha Bhattarai (rn 18/11/2022)

5,779 security personnel mobilized in Kathmandu for election (rn 18/11/2022)

Everything you need to know before Nov 20 polls, by Pratik Ghimire (ae 17/11/2022)

Increasing invalid votes cause for concern, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 17/11/2022)

Women struggle to find a solid footing in the parliament, by Anushka Nepal (ae 17/11/2022)

How will people with disabilities vote? The Election Commission seems to have a ‘something is better than nothing’ approach to inclusiveness. It’s preparations are too little, too late, by Cilla Khatry (ae 17/11/2022)

Conflict victims find no hope in election : There is a widespread resentment and anger among conflict victims and survivors against the political parties, by Yadab Acharya (ae 17/11/2022)

Voter frustration with major parties growing : Some observers equate the current state of public dissatisfaction to that which existed before the April 2006 movement, by Tika R Pradhan and Purushottam Poudel (kp 17/11/2022)

Two injured in IED explosion in Banke (rep), Treatment of Chand-led party cadres injured in bomb blast under police supervision (rep 17/11/2022), Nepal Army defuses suspicious object found in Lalitpur (rep 18/11/2022)

EC plans to make public FPTP results within three days (rn 17/11/2022), Parliament Elections 2022: Election Commission Nepal plans to make public FPTP results within three days : Nepal's election management body was criticized for not expediting the vote counting process during the local polls held on earlier this year (nlt 17/11/2022), Poll body aims to complete counting FPTP votes in 3 days : Silence period began from Thursday midnight, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 18/11/2022)

Women leaders contesting polls against men ‘heavyweights’ in Dang (kh 17/11/2022)

Nov 20 election: Silence period to begin tonight (kh 17/11/2022)

Bagmati Province has three million 471,792 eligible voters (kh 17/11/2022)

Unidentified vandals try to set fire to an election candidate's car in Madi (17/11/2022)

Indian national held with large quantity of sample ballot papers (rep 17/11/2022)

Complaints against Hamro Nepali Party candidates for trying to cash in on Balen Shah’s ‘image’ : Dinesh Thapaliya, the chief election commissioner, says his office is studying the complaints, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/11/2022)

Minister Chaudhary faces tough challenge in Dang-1 : Metmani Chaudhary was elected from the constituency in the previous House elections as a CPN-UML candidate, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/11/2022)

Five battleground constituencies in Madhesh Province : In the local elections held earlier this year, Nepali Congress emerged as the largest party in the province, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 17/11/2022)

Election 2022: Some old lies, some new. Alliances have nothing to do with long-held party policies, good governance, economic delivery, foreign policy or national interests, by Balmukunda Regmi (kp 16/11/2022)

‘Mero Pratinidhi’ released to deliver election information to public (rep 16/11/2022) [see corresponding website]

15,000 fake ballot papers seized in Parsa (kh 16/11/2022)

Umesh Shrestha’s vehicle vandalized in Bharatpur (rep 16/11/2022)

Bomb blasts near Prachanda’s election event venue in Bhojpur (kh 16/11/2022)

46 organizations, including two foreign ones, to observe November 20 election (kh 16/11/2022), 46 organizations including two int’l ones being deployed for election observation (rep 16/11/2022)

84 media outlets found violating code of conduct (kh 16/11/2022)

Non-essential vehicles will be off road in the Valley on Nov 20 (rep 16/11/2022), Public transport to remain off road on November 20 (kh 17/11/2022)

Election not a priority for migrant workers from Jumla : A majority of young men from Sinja are currently working in various Indian cities and are not coming home for next week’s elections, by DB Budha (kp 16/11/2022) [Both the Oli and Deuba governments deliberately failed to provide postal voting to migrant workers as mandated by the SC years ago!],
Leave no one out : Unless Nepalis abroad renounce their citizenship, they should get to take part in the democratic exercise (kp 16/11/2022)

Rabi Lamichhane alleges “elements” of trying to defame and demoralize him (kh 16/11/2022), Complaint demands annulment of Rabi Lamichhane’s candidacy : The complaint filed at the district election office in Chitwan states that Lamichhane did not relinquish his Nepali citizenship even after taking the citizenship certificate of another country (kp 16/11/2022), Issue over Lamichhane’s citizenship gets complex : Election Commission unlikely to decide on the matter before the voting day, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/11/2022), EC seeks explanation from Ravi Lamichhane over citizenship controversy (rep 17/11/2022), Police investigating Rabi Lamichhane's citizenship and passport (rep 02/12/2022)

Govt says preparations for election-focused security arrangements complete (rep 16/11/2022)

Vote will not be counted if the confidentiality of the ballot is breached: CEC Thapaliya (rep 16/11/2022)

Over 71 per cent polling stations deemed sensitive (rn 16/11/2022)

Complaint demanding cancellation of candidature of Gandaki Province Finance Minister Baral filed at EC (rep 16/11/2022)

Deprived and repeatedly duped, Musahars are losing faith in state : The residents of Musahari tole in Dhanusha say party leaders come seeking their votes before every election, but forget about them as soon as they get elected, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 15/11/2022)

Growing acts of violence add to security challenges for next week’s elections : Incidents of clashes, vandalism and personal attacks have rapidly increased, threatening free and fair polls, by Anup Ojha (kp 15/11/2022)

Seven persons arrested for campaigning against elections (kh 15/11/2022) [????]

No use of mobile phones, camera at polling stations: EC (rn 15/11/2022)

Lahareni in Myagdi untouched by election fever (kh 15/11/2022)

Security arrangement in place for election (kh 15/11/2022)

Ruling alliance faces a tall order for vote transfer in Rolpa : For the federal polls, Barsha Man Pun, the deputy general secretary of the Maoist Centre, is up against Purna Bahadur Budha, his former comrade-in-arms, by Kashiram Dangi (kp 15/11/2022)

Govt allocates Rs 20.04 billion for Nov 20 Elections (rep 15/11/2022)

Holiday from Nov 18 to 21 in schools being used as polling stations (rep 15/11/2022)

Don’t remove LGBTIQ+ persons from the PR closed list: SC (kh 14/11/2022), Court orders Election Commission not to remove names of LGBTIQ+ from the PR list (nlt 15/11/2022)

No takers as coalition promises political stability : Maoist Centre chair Dahal, a key coalition partner, publicly boasts of having played a key role in forming and toppling governments, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 14/11/2022)

EC provisions to ensure smooth vote counting (ht 14/11/2022)

General election : Hope of transformation, by Ashok Kumar Khand (ht 14/11/2022)

SC retains Dr. Toshima Karki’s candidacy in Lalitpur-3 (kh 14/11/2022)

Coarsening political debate : People expressed their anger in the local elections last May by voting for independent candidates (kp 14/11/2022)

Party Manifestos : Tourism In Priority, by Ballav Dahal (rn 14/11/2022)

District Election Office recommends bringing remote ballot boxes by helicopter (rep 14/11/2022) [related to Taplejung]

Nov 20: Four days left for election campaigning (kh 14/11/2022)

EC issues directives to curb activities harming election environment (kh 14/11/2022)

‘No local people in political leadership is misfortune for Kathmandu rim country’ (kh 14/11/2022)

Kanchanpur-3 is battleground of close aides of Deuba, Oli : UML candidate Niru Devi Pal and her rival from the Congress, Ramesh Lekhak, are expected to have a neck-to-neck competition, by Bhawani Bhatta (kp 14/11/2022)

Election materials being supplied to remote Bhotkhola (kh 14/11/2022)

UML leader Kafle attacked in Gorkha (kh 14/11/2022), Campaign team of UML candidate Abdus Miya attacked in Gorkha (rep 14/11/2022)

Women officials leading eight poling centers in Myagdi (kh 14/11/2022)

Women’s share in House likely to shrink : With few women FPTP candidates, more of them may need to be elected to the upper house to meet the requirement, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/11/2022) [The continued and even increased non-inclusive policies of high-caste male politicians must be criminalised and punished as a matter of urgency!]

Election agenda of independent candidates: Corruption control, development and change, by Narayan Adhikari (rn 13/11/2022)

Words, words, mere words : Election manifestos of the major political parties make promises impossible to keep, targets impossible to meet and the goals impossible to achieve (nlt 13/11/2022), Political parties repeat ‘inflated promises’ in their election manifestos to lure voters (rep 13/11/2022), Election Manifestos and Reformation of Government and Electoral System, by Rajendra Bahadur Singh (rep 13/11/2022)

Ravi Lamichhane’s election campaign vehicle vandalized in Chitwan (kh 13/11/2022)

Provincial polls overshadowed by federal elections, by Aashish Mishra (rn 13/11/2022)

Unnatural electoral tie-ups : The ultimate price is paid by the confused voter, who cannot put two and two together, by Paban Raj Pandey (kp 13/11/2022)

Voters with disabilities want to exercise right to vote on their own (rn 13/11/2022)

No permits required for essential service vehicles on voting day (kh 13/11/2022) [But it is strictly forbidden to transport voters with health or age conditions to the voting centres?]

EC directs two municipalities to conduct voters’ education program (kh 13/11/2022)

Fighting disinformation together : Election preparations enter a crucial stage, when bad actors may resort to disinformation and misinformation, by Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya (kp 13/11/2022) [Self-justification by the Chief Election Commissioner, but not a word about the serious fake news and fairy tales of the political parties!], Dealing With Disinformation, by Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya (rn 16/11/2022)

Youths have hope on new candidates, want to see change : Most first time voters want to see new faces in parliament who can address the problems of the youths, by Sharana Sherpa (nlt 12/11/2022)

Fair Polls Enhance Freedom Of Choice, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn 12/11/2022)

New voters awaiting election day eagerly (kh 12/11/2022)

Integrated election cell comes into operation in all three levels: NA (kh 12/11/2022)

Elections and People with Disabilities : The access of people with disabilities to vote in elections is an extremely critical human right issue!, by Pralhad Gairapipli (rep 12/11/2022)

Call to ensure voting rights of people with psychosocial disabilities (kh 12/11/2022)

Geographical challenges in Gandaki in Nov 20 election (kh 12/11/2022), No time for elections in upper Mustang : With most villages empty as the local population has migrated to warmer climes, authorities should have rethought poll timing, villagers say, by Lal Prasad Sharma (kp 12/11/2022)

Internal poll projections offer hints of top three, dark horses : Up to 20 of its leaders caught up in close fights, projection by the ruling parties gives Nepali Congress 60 FPTP seats, by Anil Giri (kp 12/11/2022)

Parties’ pledge of voting rights for Nepalis abroad remains an unfulfilled promise : Political parties feel Nepalis living abroad hold a sway over their relatives here and can help influence elections by being a swing factor, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 12/11/2022) [Just like almost all the big-mouthed promises of the failed top politicians!]

710 polling stations in Sudhurpaschim categorized as most sensitive (kh 12/11/2022)

Uniform gives confidence, say women temporary police : 84,296 men and 30,642 women have taken up jobs as temporary police across the country, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 12/11/2022)

Ballot papers sent to all constituencies: Poll panel : 80.04 million ballot papers printed for HoR, PA polls (ht 12/11/2022)

Battle of ballots : There is more enthusiasm among candidates than voters for polls on 20 November, by Shristi Karki (nt 11/11/2022)

Media should ensure credibility in election news: CEC Thapaliya (kh 11/11/2022) [Above all, politicians and parties should convey credibility, but they do exactly the opposite! Is thews really covered by the code of conduct?]

Parties can disseminate election publicity materials on online media: EC (kh 11/11/2022)

EOC says preparation for election observation over (kh 11/11/2022)

Heed People’s Basic Needs, by Yug Bahadur (rn 11/11/2022)

Over 17,000 security personnel deployed for polls in Sudurpaschim Province (rn 11/11/2022)

Nov 20 polls in numbers, by Pratik Ghimire (ae 15/11/2022)

Elections will make politics more unstable, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 15/11/2022)

Parties see fault in constitution, by Surendra Kafle (ae 10/11/2022)

EC must prove its impartiality (ae 10/11/2022)

Dissecting media’s role in elections : The democratic state apparatus should not show an authoritarian character to suppress an independent and inclusive voice, by Laxman Datt Pant (ae 10/11/2022)

Independent candidates on provincial assembly elections, by Pratik Ghimire (ae 10/11/2022)

Unnatural coalition leads to political instability, interview with Satis Devkota (ae 10/11/2022)

How the big three powers view Nepal election, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 10/11/2022)

Apex Court issues interim order supporting ‘No Not Again’ campaign : In the second hearing of the case, a joint bench of Justices Sapana Pradhan Malla and Susma Lata Mathema issued an interlocutory interim order against the poll body’s decision (nlt 10/11/2022), SC asks EC not to take action on ‘No, Not Again Campaign’ (kh 10/11/2022), SC gives continuity to interim order not to take action against 'No, Not Again' campaign (rep 11/11/2022)

Pre-electoral coalition in Nepal: Comedy of errors revisited, by Pushpa R Joshi (ht 10/11/2022)

Parties’ manifestos offer little to Dalits, Janajatis : Rights activists have demanded a ‘Dalit decade’ to end deep-rooted caste-based discrimination through policies and programmes, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 09/11/2022)

Political parties in Kaski breach Election Code of Conduct (kh 09/11/2022)

November 20 elections: Will they emulate the local polls?, by Mahendra P Joshi (ht 09/11/2022)

Former Health Minister Khatiwada attacked (rep 09/11/2022)

Security beefed up for elections (nlt 09/11/2022)

Political parties in Kaski found violating election code of conduct (rep 09/11/2022)

Candidates of all stripes promise water supply as always, but never deliver : The people of Surkhet in mid-western Nepal continue to live a hard life for lack of clean drinking water, Harihar Singh Rathore & Jyotee Katuwal (kp 09/11/2022) [What else can be expected? After all, the same old losers are standing for election!]

Voters in Parsa unenthused about provincial candidates : While federal-level candidates are familiar faces, those contesting provincial seats are mostly unknown, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 09/11/2022)

KP Oli boosts UML’s digital campaigning : Other party leaders admit to being behind the UML in the digital-campaign race, by Anil Giri (kp 09/11/2022)

Poll authority appears afraid to take action for code violations : Despite rampant code violations including unlawful use of vehicles, commission’s response is little (kp 09/11/2022)

In Chitwan-2, voters preferring Rabi Lamichhane over established parties : Nepal Live Today’s one-day observation in Chitwan-2 shows that most voters are increasingly in favor of Rabi Lamichhane, by DB Khadka and Narayan Adhikari (nlt 08/11/2022)

Election Commission requests : Supreme Court to vacate interim order on Dr Toshima Karki’s candidacy Karki is a candidate for federal parliamentary seat from Lalitpur-3 (kp 08/11/2022) [Many of the failed politicians who are now running again have much more important "offices of benefit", e.g. the prime minister and his council of ministers. Will they also be disqualified?], EC orders Toshima Karki not to campaign with her symbol ‘bell’ (kh 09/11/2022) [The "impartial" EC ensures "free, fair and democratic" elections! The "impartial" EC ensures "free, fair and democratic" elections! This is pure bullying and one can only hope that this candidate will be elected!]

Independent candidates galore in Nov 20 race (kh 08/11/2022)

Unified Socialist leader Khatiwada manhandled in Makawanpur election gathering (kp 08/11/2022)

Mayor Shah's reply to EC: I have no party affiliation with 'Hamro Nepali Party' (rep 08/11/2022)

How effective is door-to-door campaign? Some candidates say it gives them a chance to convince voters, most others do it as a ritual, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 08/11/2022)

Free medicine to self-reliant economy in fringe parties’ manifestos (kh 08/11/2022)

EC seeks clarification from candidate Rayi (kh 08/11/2022)

IGP Singh directs subordinates to face security challenges in election (kh 08/11/2022)

Supreme Court issues interim order in favour of ‘No Not Again’ campaign : Election Commission has threatened action against campaign members involved in posting photos of prominent politicians on social media (kp 07/11/2022) [The SC's decision means a victory of freedom of expression over the anti-democratic EC and and the failed politicians it protects!],
Former Election Commissioners request the EC to act with restraint (rep 07/11/2022), Citizens demand greater fairness and accountability from Election Commission : Amid allegations that the poll body has not been able to enforce code of conduct equally on all candidates, citizenry have urged the Election Commission to increase its vigil as the poll date is drawing close (nlt 07/11/2022)

As many as 10,000 observers are to be mobilized for poll observation: Chief Election Commissioner (nlt 07/11/2022)

Achham prisoners eager to cast ballot but only a few are registered voters : There are a total of 82 inmates in the Mangalsen-based district prison, but only seven are in the voter roll, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 07/11/2022)

Big parties may win fewer proportional seats this election : The number of parties crossing the three percent vote threshold is expected to rise in November 20 elections, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/11/2022)

Fringe forces’ boycott puts focus back on election security : Chand’s party says it will actively boycott the upcoming elections and retaliate if the government uses force, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 06/11/2022)

Will Majdoor Kisan Party hold bastion? Party’s narrow focus is eroding its voter base. Yet, it is expected to win Bhaktapur-1 seat, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 06/11/2022)

Nov 20 elections: Ballot papers arrive in Trishuli (kh 06/11/2022)

Preparations for the election in full swing (kh 06/11/2022), Nov 20 elections: Parties intensify campaigning (kh 06/11/2022)

Home Ministry identifies 23 groups that may seek to disrupt upcoming elections, by Binod Subedi (rep 05/11/2022)

EC fines KMC, Ward 16 chair (rep 06/11/2022)

Rapti folks to vote for those vowing to solve inundation and soil erosion problems (kh 05/11/2022) [Promises abound in elections, but ....]

Voter education program launched in Baitadi (kh 05/11/2022)

EC issues Election Security (Management) Directive (ht 05/11/2022)

Mock voting held at all local levels in Jajarkot (kh 05/11/2022)

Many Nepalis say no, not again : Voters urge each other to replace elderly established politicians with competent new leadership, by Shristi Karki (nt 04/11/2022)

Manifestos of political parties : They only show the dream of trains, but don't build them, by Himal Lamsal (rep 04/11/2022), Parties Must Deliver On Promises, by Yug Bahadur (rn 04/11/2022)

Majhi settlement where candidates reach merely for votes (kh 04/11/2022)

EC issues seven-point directive to government (kh 04/11/2022)

Mock voting for poll awareness begins (kh 04/11/2022)

Thapa-Bhattarai rematch for Kathmandu-4 (ht 04/11/2022)

EC completes printing of ballot papers (kh 04/11/202)

Nepal’s election culture and its ills, by Ram Dayal Rakesh (ae 03/11/2022)

The tricky post-election power-sharing deal, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 03/11/2022)

Contest of the young turks, by Pranab Kharel (ae 03/11/2022)

How strong is the anti-incumbency wave?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 03/11/2022)

Who would be prime minister if alliance wins polls? The CPN-UML central committee has picked KP Sharma Oli as the party’s prime minister candidate. But the four-party alliance has not figured out one, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 03/11/2022)

Our election, their election : Sunak was chosen not for his longevity in politics, but because he was considered the best, by Deepak Thapa (kp 03/11/2022)

Ballot papers airlifted to Manang and Mustang (kh 03/11/2022)

Three Communist parties to boycott elections (kh 03/11/2022) [Most likely, these parties would not win a seat anyway!]

100 voting centres to be disabled-friendly (kh 03/11/2022) [Out of 22,226 voting centres!!!]

EC allows parties, election candidates to hold rallies, mass meetings from today (kh 03/11/2022), Election campaigning begins today : Election Commission reminds parties to comply with poll code; 71 show cause notices issued (ht 03/11/2022)

Election campaigning heating up in Manang (kh 03/11/2022)

Candidates busy with door-to-door campaign while youths head to India in search of work (kh 03/11/2022)

Don’t be biased : Election Commission is letting the powerful off the hook while raining sticks on the weak (kp 02/11/2022) [There are numerous reasons to exclude the failed politicians from the elections due to various misconduct. Oli's repeated unconstitutional attempt to dissolve parliament in order to maintain his own power was only the most blatant case!]

Election manifestos promise the moon as political parties jockey for position : The declarations have become a mere ritual with little relevance, economists say, by Pawan Pandey (kp 02/11/2022) [The politicians should be punished by the voters for this bullshit. Should they nevertheless remain in power thanks to their manipulations, they must be held accountable for their deliberate lies!], Whole bunch of lies : The manifestos of big parties are more a reflection of their lust for power than of their commitment to the people and the country (kp 03/11/2022)

Nepali women packing a punch : Nepal occupies a respectable 16th position among the 133 countries regarding the proportion of elected seats held by women, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 02/11/2022) [This comparison is misleading! The high percentage of women is based on legal regulations. Responsibility is still withheld from women today. Moreover, the legal regulations are increasingly undermined by the leading male politicians!]

People holding public position must obtain permission of the EC to conduct election campaign (rep 02/11/2022)

EC directs PM’s office to postpone PM Deuba’s Dadeldhura trip (kh 02/11/2022) [An excellent example of the high-handedness and irresponsibility of Nepali politicians! Of course, even a prime minister has to finance his election campaign himself or through his party.], Use of government vehicles by federal and provincial ministers barred in election campaign (kh 02/11/2022)

Electoral alliances add to the voters’ confusion : Voters supporting alliance candidates will need to cast ballots on different symbols for candidates and the political parties, by Binod Ghimire (kp 02/11/2022) [The electoral alliances are anti-democratic and only serve to keep the failed politicians in power!]

359 people vying for 15 constituencies in valley : Of them, 159 are independents. Less than 15 per cent women candidates in the electoral fray (ht 02/11/2022)

EC seeks clarifications from Bhattarai, Magar (kh 02/11/2022)

Candidates canvassing voters in Rupandehi (kh 02/11/2022)

EC to conduct voters’ education at ward levels (kh 02/11/2022)

Supreme Court orders Election Commission not to scrap Dr Toshima Karki’s candidacy (nlt 01/11/2022)

Nepalis abroad are well-informed, angry and frustrated with politics back home : Rarely do the political actors in Nepal talk about the welfare of Nepalis living and working in foreign countries. Rarely does the subject of migrant workers become the election agenda, by Mahabir Paudyal (nlt 01/11/2022)

District Election Office intensifies voter education program (kh 01/11/2022) [related to Tanahun]

Over 3,000 employees being mobilized for election in Kavre (kh 01/11/2022)

878 employees to be mobilized in Jumla for election (kh 01/11/2022)

Printing of FPTP ballot papers remains for seven districts only (kh 01/11/2022)

How the already-marginalized Dalit community is marginalized in Nepali politics : The representation of the Dalit Community, which accounts for almost 15 percent of the country’s population, in the parliament is expected to fall as only a few Dalit candidates got tickets from major political parties for the upcoming polls, by Laxman Darnal (nlt 31/10/2022)

Voting for the independents : Their election victory will send a message to the political lifers and their servile cadres, by Naresh Koirala (kp 31/10/2022)

Parties Set To Advance Canvassing, by Ballav Dahal (rn 31/10/2022)

Toshima Karki’s ouster from race raises questions over poll authority’s intent : Law experts challenge Election Commission’s expansive interpretation of the term ‘office of benefit’, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 31/10/2022)

Dearth of creativity: The voter awareness message of the Election Commission is ditto copy of an Indian video : When the Election Commission was asked for comment, the officials said it is unfair to raise questions on every single matter of the Commission (nlt 31/10/2022)

Candidates to be allowed to conduct election campaigns from Nov 3 to 17 (rep 31/10/2022)

EC completes printing 70 million ballot papers (kh 31/10/2022)

European Union to skip monitoring upcoming polls : As many as 10,000 observers from 43 domestic and four international organisations will watch the elections (kp 30/10/2022) [Possibly the reason is that this time the elections are already anything but fair and socially inclusive in the run-up! There are serious violations of the law on the part of the top politicians and their parties, but the Election Commission only wants to punish civil society for criticising this misconduct!]

Election Commission’s unconstitutional act : The attempt by the constitutional body to curb criticism of top leaders is against the spirit of freedom of speech, by Jagadish Prasad Bist (kp 30/10/2022)

EC scraps Dr Toshima's candidacy (rep 30/10/2022), Toshima to knock on SC doors against the rejection of her candidature by EC (rep 30/10/2022), Dr Karki doubts EC’s impartiality, intention : To move Supreme Court (kh 30/10/2022)

EC sends election materials to remote districts (kh 30/10/2022)

Outrage as poll authority cracks down on negative campaigning : Critics say Election Commission misunderstood citizens’ rights to free speech and vote, by Anup Ojha and Anush Gurung (kp 29/10/2022) [It is not the public that needs to be criticised for their clear and correct words, but the power-hungry politicians for their incessant false statements! The Election Commission is once again relying on false values and violating people's fundamental rights! The politicians can claim whatever they want and the people have to accept this without comment?], What drives people to vote in Nepal? Many people vote for party candidates in the hope of getting personal favours, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 29/10/2022) [Therefore, the politicians lie like hell, and whoever exposes these lies will be punished!]

Media should act “bridge” between EC and voters: Commissioner Tuladhar (kh 29/10/2022)

Nov 20 polls: Province 1 becoming more competitive (kh 29/10/2022)

Zero tolerance to disinformation, misinformation and hate speech in elections: EC (kh 29/10/2022)

Is Upendra Yadav in red zone?, by Kusum Bhattarai (kh 29/10/2022)

Election Commission issues ‘Gender and Inclusive Policy-2077 BS’ (kh 28/10/2022))

Election candidates busy campaigning in voters’ farmland (kh 27/10/2022)

Election Commission urges not to give offensive expression (kp 26/10/2022) [???]

EC disqualifies 550 candidates under PR category (kh 26/10/2022)

EC determines specific criteria for election canvassing in media (kh 26/10/2022)

Election Commission determines four types of ballot papers for HoR, PA elections (kh 25/10/2022)

Crude politics of elections : The election campaign has effectively turned into a mudslinging competition, by Achyut Wagle (kp 25/10/2022)

Election Commission mum as parties hold ‘informal’ rallies : Code of conduct says parties and candidates cannot begin electioneering until November 3, byTika R Pradhan (kp 25/10/2022)

What are new parties offering that traditional ones don’t? Many have laid emphasis on effective implementation of constitution and shoring up federalism, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 25/10/2022)

The declared ideals of 2006 and today’s political impasse, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh 24/10/2022)

Hundreds of PR candidates snub Election Commission’s fines : Candidates ranked low on lists, who have no hope of being elected, wish to be delisted, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 24/10/2022) [This puts the whole PR system and the idea of social inclusion in question! What will happen to parties that cannot name enough PR candidates?]

Poll Literacy Boosts Voter Turnout, by Ballav Dahal (rn 24/10/2022)

Why ‘transfer’ votes? By voting a certain way people can make their dislike for unnatural coalitions known (kp 24/10/2022)

'Political, ideological discrepancy still persists' : PSP MANIFESTO Directly elected prez, primary election and right to recall' among other agendas, included (ht 24/10/2022)

Int'l election observers must respect Nepal's sovereignty (ht 24/10/2022)

EC completes printing 40 percent of ballot papers (kh 24/10/2022)

Women contenders in direct race have it tough in upcoming parliamentary elections : Major parties have been reluctant to field women candidates. Even the few in the fray have a battle in their hands, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 23/10/2022), Rebel candidates continue to be a headache for Nepali Congress : The party asks them to withdraw from the race. Congress members have also been inactive in constituencies where alliance partners have fielded candidates, by Anil Giri (kp 23/10/2022)

Fighting Fake News For Fair Polls, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 23/10/2022)

Election education song removed from social media after criticism (rep 23/10/2022)

Reliable mobile network, Internet top election issues in Gunras, Dailekh (rn 23/10/2022)

Different colour for ballot papers (ht 23/10/2022)

Pregnant, disabled, elderly to miss vote (ht 23/10/2022) [related to Bajura]

‘Tourist’ candidates seen buying or renting houses in constituencies they don’t originally belong : Although this is not seen as a breach of election code of conduct, such candidates’ motive is to manipulate voters, says former election commissioner Uprety, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 22/10/2022)

Ballot papers for PR transported in 60 districts so far (nlt 22/10/2022)

Gambling with our future : Let us hope that on 20 November Nepalis will have the good fortune of dealing from a brand new deck of cards (nt 21/10/2022), House of cards : Nepalis are preparing to vote next month in a sterile election devoid of ideology and principles, by Sonia Awale (nt 21/10/2022)

Supreme Court upholds Election Commission’s decision to scrap candidacy of Raju Gurung (nlt 21/10/2022)

Kathmandu voters remain an enigma : Historically, the n/ational capital’s voters have been known to give a chance to /new (and often unexpected) candidates, by Binod Ghimire (kp 21/10/2022)

A month left to go for HoR and Provincial Assembly elections (kh 21/10/2022)

Previously companions, now competitors, by Balkrishna Adhikari (rep 21/10/2022)

What to expect from Nov 20 elections?, by Chandra Dev Bhatta (ae 20/10/2022)

F)ool Us Once, Fool Us Twice…, by Akhilesh Tripathi (rep 20/10/2022)

Contractors with deep pockets are wading into electoral politics : Among the parties, Nepali Congress has fielded most contractors for first-past-the-post seats of lower house, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 20/10/2022)

EC seeks clarification from Chairman Nepal (kh 20/10/2022), Election authority recommends action against Madhav Nepal : In his constituency, Nepal said people there would get jobs abroad free of charge (kp 21/10/2022, Take action against Nepal, EC tells police, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 21/10/2022)

Election Commission urges media to abstain from disinformation (kh 20/10/2022)

Whither political debate? Public debates help make prospective voters cast their ballots judiciously (kp 20/10/2022)

EC instructs political parties and candidates to implement code of conduct (nlt 19/10/2022)

300,000 security personnel to be mobilized during Nov 20 elections (kh 19/10/2022)

Are MPs lawmakers or development workers? Politicians say they are forced to make promises related to development works to appeal to the masses during polls, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 19/10/2022)

Expectations from the Election Commission Nepal : It is up to the commission to be the responsive, fair, judicious, and autonomous body it is, by Ila Sharma (kp 18/10/2022)

Election Commission and NHRC hold discussion to make election fair and credible (rep 18/10/2022)

Candidature to be canceled if mass rallies is carried out before November 3: EC (rep 18/10/2022)

Intensifying election activities put spotlight on expenditure (rn 18/10/2022)

EC seeks clarification for using t-shirt with poll candidate image in election campaign (rep 18/10/2022) [??]

Leader Jhankri feels relieved at NC rebel’s candidacy withdrawal (kh 18/10/2022)

Kinship to be decisive in Sudurpaschim elections : Political parties have picked candidates who appeal to voters from their ancestral districts, by Tufan Neupane (kp 18/10/2022)

Alliance mum on name of its PM candidate (ht 18/10/2022)

EC allows voters to cast votes showing ID cards issued by government bodies (kh 17/10/2022)

Poll preparations : The EC must not hesitate in taking action against those who breach the election code (ht 17/10/2022)

Govt urged to contain possible incidences of women violence during elections (kh 17/10/2022)

The race for national party status : Results of the local elections put CPN (Unified Socialist) and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, with 3.66 percent and 2.12 percent popular votes respectively, on the brink, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 17/10/2022)

Ballot papers towards proportional election transported to three provinces (rn 17/10/2022)

EC fixes number of 10, 892 polling stations and 22,227 voting centers (rn 17/10/2022)

The electoral ‘money game’ started right from candidate-selection day, interview with Pradip Pokharel (kp 17/10/2022)

EC to scrap PR candidacy of those candidates who vied in local polls but did not submit expense details (kh 17/1/2022)

We don’t expect much from Binod Chaudhary: Locals of Nawalparasi West (rep 17/10/2022)

SC hearing on Raju Gurung’s candidacy related writ today (kh 16/10/2022), SC order stays EC decision to scrap alliance candidate Gurung’s candidacy in Rupandehi 2 (kh 17/10/2022)

EC to take a month to print all ballot papers (ht 16/10/2022), 4,421,000 ballot papers printed (rn 16/10/2022)

For workers, foreign jobs more crucial than voting : Young Nepalis are leaving the country for foreign employment in record numbers, statistics show, by Pawan Pandey (kp 16/10/2022) [In any case, none of the top politicians will work to create jobs in the country!]

Senior lives matter : This time, let us vote for what we want rather than what everybody else expects us to want, by Poonam Thapa (kp 16/10/2022)

Vote transfer among alliance partners is a tricky business : Realising the challenges of supporters switching votes, ruling alliance decides to organise joint poll campaigns, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 16/10/2022) [This is not a democratic election, but a rigged farce with the sole aim of keeping the failed and outdated party leaders in power!]

Khas Arya candidates outnumber in inclusive category (kh 16/10/2022) [42% of the candidates from the Khas Arya group, which accounts for 30% of the total population! This is what the ruling elite calls "inclusive" under the PR system!]

Nearly half of ethnic groups unrepresented in Parliament in 15 years of PR exercise : The proportional representation system seems to benefit only the communities that are affluent and better linked, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 15/10/2022)

EC instructs security agencies to bar ministers from campaigning without its prior permission (rep 15/10/2022)

EC asked to arrange for disabled-friendly voting centers (kh 15/10/2022)

EC to write to Press Council for regular monitoring of media during election (kh 15/10/2022), Press Council urges media to stay away from disinformation on candidates (kh 15/10/2022), Election Commission joins hands with social media giants to rein in misinformation : Officials working with Facebook, Twitter and TikTok on fake news, monitoring ad spending, by Anup Ojha (kp 15/102022)

3-party dictatorship : Nepal’s break-up and make-up electoral politics undermines democracy (nt 14/10/2022)

Advocates of independent politics fall into party line : Campaigners aiming for a new way of doing politics organise for proportional electoral seats, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/10/2022), Opportunity For New Faces, by Yug Bahadur (rn 14/10/2022)

Constituencies to keep an eye on in November elections : Shifting party loyalties could result in some of the closest races in Nepal’s poll history, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 14/10/2022)

Violation of election code of conduct is subject to action: EC (kh 14/10/2022)

Eight constitutional commissions to jointly monitor upcoming polls (rn 14/10/2022)

SC moved against nine contestants : Petitioner seeks apex court order barring them from contesting polls (ht 14/10/2022)

Parties disappoint voters again : It’s the same old faces—those that have been elected and reelected—from which we will have to choose from once again, by Cilla Khatra (ae 13/10/2022)

Federal and provincial elections: Test for the independent candidates : Several challenges will confront the independent candidates if they will win in the upcoming federal and provincial elections. Yet also they will have the greatest opportunity to re-shape the political space in Nepal, by Simone Galimberti (nlt 13/10/2022)

Hundreds of candidates withdraw from race : As many as 2,412 candidates are now in the race for seats in the lower house and 3,224 in provincial assemblies (kp 13/10/2022), 2,412 in fray for 165 FPTP HoR seats : Less than 10 per cent of contestants are women (ht 13/10/2022)

Election Commission prohibits pre-poll survey (kh 13/10/2022) [??], EC requests not to conduct opinion polls related to political parties and candidates (rep 13/10/2022) [Such opinion polls would be an import tool as in all democratic states of the world!]

Honour the code : The idea of enforcing a code of conduct is to ensure that each party in the polls takes ownership of the electoral process (kp 13/10/2022)

EC bars local-level representatives from campaigning (kh 13/10/2022)

UML supports Hridayesh Tripathi in Nawalparasi-1 (kh 13/10/2022)

Nine candidates withdraw nominations in Banke: EC (kh 13/10/2022)

JSP-UML electoral alliance shows politics makes strangest bedfellows : Bonhomie between Janata Samajbadi, a party advocating Madheshi rights, and CPN-UML, its ideological nemesis, suggests a decline of agenda-based politics, experts say, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 13/10/2022)

Candidates start electioneering in blatant disregard of poll code : As per the Election Commission’s code of conduct, campaigning is allowed only from November 3, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/10/2022)

Division in Madhesh forces darkens their electoral prospects : Two major parties in Madhesh pitted against each other will fare worse this time than in last elections, analysts say, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 12/10/2022)

UML withdraws candidacy in Chitwan-3, to support NC’s rebel candidate (nlt 12/10/2022) [Power strategies of undemocratic parties and politicians! Nepal's oligarchs make a mockery of Nepal's elections!]

Nov 20 election: 265 candidates in the fray in Kathmandu (kh 12/10/2022)

Dr Bhattarai-led Nepal Samajbadi Party receives six seats in Nov 20 elections (kh 12/10/2022)

Three candidates’ nominations cancelled (kh 12/10/2022)

Deepak Manange unanimously elected Gandaki Province Assembly member (nlt 12/10/2022)

Nov 20 election: Candidates can withdraw their names today (kh 12/10/2022)

Election observers siding with parties, candidates not acceptable: Chief EC Thapaliya (kh 12/10/2022

Subverting political federalism : The coalition culture has sidelined deserving candidates in favour of cronies and sycophants, by Achyut Wagle (kp 11/10/2022)

Nepali elections are becoming a battle of same old faces : Lack of internal democracy in political parties is mainly to be blamed, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 11/10/2022) [Maybe not yet a failing state, but definitely a failing democracy!], Continuity over change : The new roster of tried and tested electoral candidates does not inspire much confidence (kp 11/10/2022), Major political parties fall short to ensure gender parity in politics : Almost all political parties have an extremely lower ratio of women to men candidates fielded under the first-past-the-post category in the upcoming elections (nlt 11/10/2022)

Multiple organ failures of the nation: Can the new election lead to its recovery?, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 11/10/2022)

The centrality of elections in political process : Historically, the parties that shied away from elections have become irrelevant, by Thira L Bhusal (kp 11/10/2022)

57 parties file nomination towards FPTP for HoR election: EC (kh 11/10/2022), 57 parties taking part in HoR, PA elections (rep 12/10/2022)

Ruling coalition directs rebel candidates to withdraw nominations (kh 11/10/2022)

25 UML leaders file nomination as independents (ht 11/10/2022)

UML loses NA seat (ht 11/10/2022)

Time for claim and protest against PR candidates till Oct 15 (rep 11/10/2022)

EC to publish name list of FPTP candidates today (rep 11/10/2022)

14 independent candidates contesting elections with UML Chair Oli (kh 11/10/2022)

Nov 20 elections: EC to publish candidates’ final list on Oct 26 (kh 11/10/2022)

Candidates required to submit expenses details of online advertisement (kh 11/10/2022)

A whiff of change in the air on candidate nomination day : Independents challenge many party heavyweights as Election Commission registers candidacy across country, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/10/2022), Parties deny dissidents tickets, many hit back by filing rebel candidacies : Many leaders have even allied with rival forces against the candidates of the mother party or its electoral alliance, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 10/10/2022)

“Elections will be held in free, fair and fear-free environment” (kh 10/10/2022) [It takes a lot of audacity to tell the people that the elections are fair. Once again, the bulk of the candidates are male Bahuns. Women hardly make an appearance, Dalits certainly not. The sole purpose of the electoral alliances is to secure the power of the failed, power-addicted so-called top politicians once again. In "fair elections", politicians do not contest once they have failed; rather, they immediately resign from all offices, allowing for continuous renewal and rejuvenation of their parties. This is even more true for politicians who have trampled on the constitution. Nepal is not a democracy, but an oligarchy!]

Time To End Political Anomalies, by Ballav Dahal (rn 10/10/2022)

Limited number of women candidacies recorded under FPTP (kh 10/10/2022)

As many as 1,600 candidates file nominations for 165 HoR posts (kh 10/10/2022)

Film artists trying their luck in November 20 polls (rep 10/10/2022)

Resham Chaudhary's candidacy to be invalid, by Bhasa Sharma (rep 10/10/2022)

Nov 20 elections: Candidacies filed in Bhaktapur (kh 10/10/2022)

122 candidacies for nine posts in Chitwan: EC (kh 10/10/2022), 26 candidates file candidacies in Rukum (East): EC (kh 10/10/2022)

Let Election Ensure Stability, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn 09/10/2022) [This hope is unlikely to be fulfilled, as all the failed politicians continue to consider themselves indispensable. The continuation of patriarchy, social non-inclusion, Bahunbad and personal power struggles is guaranteed!]

EC says registration of candidacy nomination completed in a peaceful manner (kh 09/10/2022)

Social Activist Lamichhane registers candidacy from Kathmandu 5 (2) (rep 09/10/2022)

Here is where the ‘top leaders’ are fighting the Nov 20 elections from, by Sajira Shrestha (rep 09/10/2022)

EC publishes list of proportional candidates (rep 09/10/2022)

Candidacy nomination registration begins (nlt 09/10/2022), Nominations for FPTP seats of federal, provincial assemblies taking place today (kh 09/10/2022), Top leaders pick constituencies, Dahal opts for Gorkha : Race hots up as political parties field their first-past-the-post candidates today for the November 20 elections, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 09/10/2022)

Exchange of tickets between NC and Maoist Center in Myagdi (rep 09/10/2022)

Congress to field candidates in 90 federal seats : The Shekhar Koirala-led dissident group has been arguing that the party shouldn’t have settled for fewer than 100 seats, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 09/10/2022)

Madhes Pradesh has 2.9 million eligible voters (kh 09/10/2022)

Ruling coalition to support Ghanashyam Bhusal to contest from Rupandehi Constituency-1 (kh 09/10/2022)

EC prints 40.05 million ballot papers for proportional elections (kh 08/10/2022)

Speaker Sapkota announces not to contest election (nlt 08/10/2022)

Ruling coalition close to allocation of seats for Nov 20 polls : NC to get 84, Maoist 47, and United Socialist 20 (kh 08/10/2022) [see list of common candidates (ka 08/10/2022)], Congress-led alliance reaches seat deal : Leaders of the Nepali Congress-led alliance have reached an agreement on sharing of seats for the federal and provincial elections scheduled for November 20 (kp 08/10/2022), UML offers Janata Samajbadi what ruling alliance has refused : Leaders say deal is almost done and negotiations are focussed on individual constituencies, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/10/2022), UML, JSP agree to share 16 seats each in Madesh Province (kh 08/10/2022), Janata Samajbadi Party gets 17 seats as it seals an electoral deal with UML : In return, Janata Samajbadi will support UML in 35 constituencies (kp 08/10/2022) [And I thought seats are decided by the voters!?], UML gives Janata Samajbadi 17 seats as Congress spares 7 for Thakur’s party : In provinces, Yadav’s party gets 42 seats while Loktantrik Samajbadi Party secures backing in 16 constituencies, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 09/10/2022)

UML-RPP electoral alliance likely to be finalized today (kh 08/10/2022)

Nepal: Five Observations with the Second National Election, by Binoj Basnyat (kh 07/10/2022)

29 candidates withdraw candidacy from the closed list (kh 06/10/2022)

EC to publish name list of election candidates on October 11 (kh 05/10/2022)

About 20,000 observers to be deployed to monitor upcoming elections (rep 03/10/2022)

Parties submit amended PR lists to poll commission for November election : Those who don’t want to be in race can withdraw today, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 03/10/2022), Parties given time till noon today to withdraw names from closed list (rn 03/10/2022)

Personal feuds, fake social media posts new security risks for the elections : Unlike in the past, the primary threats are not the parties that have boycotted the November 20 elections, by Anil Giri (kp 02/10/2022)

Election Commission fixes ceiling for election spending : The maximum limit of electoral spending was fixed based on the existing law, the number of voters in the constituency, the number of polling centers, and the area (nlt 02/10/2022)

Discontent Brewing Over PR Lists, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 02/10/2022)

12 parties to file amendment to closed list for proportional system today (rep 02/10/2022)

Nov 20 elections: Deadline to amend PR closed list ending today (kh 02/10/2022)

Independents are widening their reach : Rising public frustration stemming from the failure of traditional parties is cited as the main fuel for independent candidates, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 30/09/2022), Young voters, old leaders : Age is not the only problem of our graying leaders. They also don’t have anything new to offer (kp 30/09/2022)

Poll body using army, police to monitor media : Observers swiftly criticise the poll body’s decision, by Makar Shrestha (kp 30/09/2022), Freedom Forum concerned over EC’s move (kh 30/09/2022), Press Office manned by security personnel starts monitoring media : Ignoring widespread criticism of the move, Election Commission inaugurated the office on Friday, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 01/10/2022)

LGBTIQA+ community in Nepal: Upset over electoral underrepresentation, by Cilla Khatry (ae 29/09/2022)

Voters favour women, party leaders don’t : Selection of candidates is based on whims of male politicians as women are under-represented in top party committees, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp 29/09/2022) [The party leaders are and remain the greatest propagandists of patriarchy and the non-inclusive state!]

Civic Engagement In Electoral Politics, by Mukti Rijal (rn 29/09/2022)

Seat allocation: NC likely to get 85 seats, Maoist Center 44 (kh 29/09/2022)

Ruling parties still haggling for seats as nomination deadline draws closer : Political leaders claim that they have reached a deal on most of the 165 House of Representatives seats, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 28/09/2022) [Democracy as interpreted by the failed predominantly male high-caste politicians to preserve their power!]

EC issues 60-point directives to political parties (rep 28/09/2022), EC’s code of conduct not practical: NC spokesperson (rn 28/09/2022), EC's strict code : "If the local elections are any guide, the parties would so well not to take the EC lightly" (ht 29/09/2022)

EC carrying out homework to fix election expenditure ceiling (kh 27/09/2022)

Election code of conduct coming into force from Wednesday (kh 27/09/2022), Election code of conduct comes into effect from today (nlt 28/09/2022)

Time to cooperate for countering misinformation in the face of election, by Narayan Prasad Ghimire (rn 27/09/2022)

EC secures commitments from govt, parties on election code of conduct (kh 26/09/2022) [Commitments by politicians mean nothing!]

Will escalating tensions hit November elections? The President is accused of foiling the citizenship bill to muddy the waters, sensing UML’s poor poll prospects, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 23/09/2022)

Public Expectations From Polls, by Yug Bahadur (rn 23/09/2022)

EC asks finance ministry to furnish details of fund transfer (rep 23/09/2022)

EC appoints Chief Returning Officer and Returning Officers (kh 22/09/2022)

Political parties continue to abuse proportional representation system : Many nominees in the closed lists submitted to Election Commission have repeatedly occupied positions of power, by Binod Ghimire (kp 21/09/2022),
Women MPs, unite : A new women’s parliamentary caucus is needed at a time when they are being brazenly discriminated (kp 21/09/2022)

EC to verify closed list of PR candidates today and tomorrow : 48 parties submit PR closed-list (kh 20/09/2022), Closed list submitted : The Election Commission must not be influenced by the parties into amending its directives (ht 21/09/2022)

Parties submit PR lists to the Election Commission: Congress has reportedly included senior leaders Bimalendra Nidhi, Ram Sharan Mahat, Arzu Rana Deuba and Gopal Man Shrestha on its list, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 20/09/2022)

EC grants permission to 36 organizations so far to observe Nov 20 elections (kh 20/09/2022)

Will Hinduism be an agenda in the upcoming elections? While events in India will have an impact, religion is as yet not a big vote-puller in Nepal, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 19/09/2022) [The Hindu state is not so much a question of religion, but a social and political concern. At stake is the question of inclusion and rights in the multi-ethnic and multi-religious state, the value of women, perceptions of caste, respect for other cultures, etc.]

Political parties to submit PR candidates’ list until Monday (nlt 18/09/2022)

Nov 20 elections: EC designates 10,891 polling stations (kh 17/09/2022)

PM Deuba vows to hold Nov 20 elections in a fair manner as term of parliament expires at midnight tonight (kh 17/09/2022) ["Fair" also means: no coercion of voters by the high-caste male party leaders through electoral alliances and adequate inclusion of all social groups, e.g., 50% female direct candidates, maximum of 6% each male Bahuns and Chhetris as candidates, proportion of Dalits, Janajtis, Madheshis according to their share of the population, etc.]

EC demands mayors of various metropolis to pay Rs 700,000 each in fine for not submitting election expense details on time : Those sought fine includes KMC Mayor Shah, Dharan Mayor Sampang and Bharatpur Mayor Dahal (rep 17/09/2022)

EC directs Land Commission not to distribute land ownership certificates (kh 16/09/2022)

Media's Role Vital For Fair Polls, by Yug Bahadur (rn 16/09/2022)

MP Pant's appeal to political parties to increase candidacy of women (rep 16/09/2022)

United in dotage : Old age runs deep in Nepal’s mainstream politics (nlt 16/09/2022) [These failed politicians, who still believe they are indispensable, are, besides authoritarian party structures, the fundamental problem of Nepali politics!],

RPP to field “popular” faces under PR category (kh 16/09/2022) [Quite mendacious! What is sold as positive is in reality the only way to ensure the return of old politicians from this party as well, provided, of course, that the party gets over the 3-percent hurdle at all.]

Dalit politicians being denied tickets : Political parties didn’t field women Dalit candidates in 124 wards in the local elections last May : The number of Dalit mayors decreased by half in 2022 polls compared to 2017, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 15/09/2022)

NC restricts previous PR-elected lawmakers from becoming PR candidates again (kh 15/09/2022), Nov 20 polls: Maoist Center to not repeat PR lawmakers (kh 15/09/2022) [NC, CPN (MC) and all the other parties had better restrict the previously directly elected politicians from running again. After all, these predominantly male, high-caste politicians are the ones responsible for the whole misery of the state, not so much the MPs elected through the PR system!]

EC urges parties to be clear on documents required for closed list under PR category (kh 12/09/2022)

Land of gossip : The psyche of producing gossip would remain the principal shaper of the election manifestos, by Abhi Subedi (kp 11/09/2022)

Free And Fair Prospects : Civil Society Leaders Call For Free and Fair Elections Urging Elections Commission To Take Necessary Steps (sp 09/09/2022)

Nov 20 elections: EC to publish candidates’ name list on Oct 11 (kh 09/09/2022)

Balen and Sampang effect in federal elections : Rise of independent candidates like Balendra Shah and Harka Sampang at the local level has paved the path for several independent candidates who will challenge the old-established parties in federal polls, by Pratik Ghimire (ae 08/09/2022)

Accident insurance up to Rs 2 million for each person involved in election work (kh 08/09/2022) [And what about their fundamental right to vote?]

Election Commission opposes plan to extend House term : Election code of conduct says terms of members of lower house and provincial assembly will lose their positions after filing nominations for elections (kp 06/09/2022) [A moronic discussion: elected MPs only become functional when parliament first convenes. No democratic country can afford to be without a legislature or executive for months! This once again highlights one of the many shortcomings of the 2015 Constitution.]

Seat Sharing Conundrum, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 06/09/2022)

Crime-accused can contest polls but they may be barred from performing duty : Experts say flawed laws can create a situation where the electorate may not have their representative in the House, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/09/2022)

10,888 polling stations determined across the country (kh 05/09/2022)

RPP Chair Lingden announces resignation as lawmaker (kh 04/09/2022) [A strange view of the electoral period of a parliament! This may only end on the day on which the newly elected parliament convenes for the first time. Otherwise, the country would be without a legislature for weeks or even months. There is no question of a tenure extension.]

Nov 20 Polls : Let’s Stop the Snollygosters!, by Akhilesh Tripathi (rep 04/09/2022)

Fight erupts over name recommendation for Nov 20 polls in Dhanusha, by Suresh Yadav (rep 04/09/2022)

Theory of dissent : ‘None of the above’ is a legitimate option that allows the electorate to reject candidates, by Samar SJB Rana & Vera Jasmine Shrestha (kp 02/09/2022)

Around 300 thousand security personnel to be mobilized for Nov 20 elections (kh 02/09/2022)

New elections, same old faces, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 01/09/2022) [It has never occurred to me in the 72 years of my life to question democratic elections. But this time it has, perhaps because this no longer has much in common with democracy!]

CPN (US) jumbo team joins CPN-UML in Sudurpaschim (ht 01/09/2022)

Nepal Police to purchase vehicles as elections near (rep 01/09/2022)

Patan High Court issues interim order not to buy ballot boxes immediately (rep 014/09/2022)

Indirectly elected representatives, most of whom are women, have less powers : In the upcoming elections, women aspire to contest first-past-the-post seats but political parties don’t seem enthusiastic to give them tickets, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp 31/08/2022) [According to the patriarchal thinking of the ruling male elite, Nepal belongs only to men, especially to those from the Tagadhari castes, particularly the Bahuns. The citizenship law and the current discussion on this matter make this clear. Since because of the alliance the direct candidacies are also divided among the parties, the ruling men cannot "waste" any mandate on women!]

People’s issues ignored as parties are overly fixated on power : One year since adopting their common minimum programme, the ruling parties have never discussed the commitments, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 31/08/2022)

Vote counting arrangements being made in all 165 constituencies (rep 31/08/2022)

Canvassing allowed from 17 days before vote. Leaders, experts call it impractical : Given the practice of 48-hour election silence, candidates will get just 15 days if the code of conduct is followed, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 31/08/2022)

Nepal Police receives Rs 8 billion budget for elections security : A total of 71,693 regular police personnel and 115,000 temporary police personnel will be mobilized for the elections. In comparison to the May 13 local level elections, 25,000 more Nepal Police personnel including 15,000 temporary police personnel are being recruited for the elections (nlt 31/08/2022)

Expecting Electoral Innovation, by Atindra Dahal (rep 29/08/2022)

76 parties apply under PR system for November 20 elections (kh 29/008/2022)

Parties are fighting upcoming elections on usual planks : Congress will harp on democracy, UML will continue with ultranationalism, Maoists promise to shore up constitution, and Madhesh parties will press for constitution amendment, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 29/08/2022)

EC to update voters’ list from today (kh 28/08/2022)

Nepal Police plans to mobilize over 71,000 police personnel for HoR, Provincial Assembly polls (rep 26/08/2022), Nepal Police demands required quantity of arms for Nov 20 elections (kh 27/08/2022)

Over 9,000 candidates of local-level poll in Karnali province yet to submit expenditure details (kh 26/08/2022)

Madhesh Province has highest number of parties for election (rn 26/08/2022)

EC decides to publish election symbols of parties contesting Nov 20 polls in Nepal Gazette : UML's election symbol to figure on top of ballot paper (kh 25/08/2022)

EC calls application for election observation (kh 24/08/2022)

High invalid votes and low turnout prompts poll commission to run voter education : A total of 7,500 volunteers will be sent door-to-door for over a month from the last week of September to the election day on November 20, by Binod Ghimire (kp 24/08/2022), Educating voters : The Election Commission needs to ensure that voters understand the hows and whys of voting (kp 25/08/2022)

EC proposes cap on number of door-to-door election campaigners : Those who are rich and powerful should not unduly influence polls, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 23/08/2022)

‘The upcoming elections will be fairer and impartial’ : Chief Election Commissioner Thapaliya on poll preparations, efforts to minimise invalid votes, and checking overspending (interview) (kp 22/08/2022) [An election that is manipulated in advance by the party leaders in a non-inclusive way can hardly be called fair!]

EC directs governments not to implement new program (kh 21/08/2022)

Campaign Financing (sp 19/08/2022)

Employees, teachers to be deployed in November 20 elections (kh 19/08/2022) [This is only legitimate if the right of these people to vote remains guaranteed!]

EC issues four-point directive to govt for effective security management (kh 18/08/2022)

Ritualistic conduct of elections : Unless street protests erupt once again, Nepal is doomed to endure more of the same, by CK Lal (kp 17/08/2022)

Announcement of federal, provincial poll: Opening vistas of possibilities, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 17/08/2022)

Election Commission says 84 parties applied to contest upcoming general elections (nlt 17/08/2022), Eighty-four parties apply to contest November elections : Twelve parties have formed four groups to fight the elections under four different poll symbols, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/08/2022) [Extremely confusing for the voters and, according to section 49 of the PPA, ultimately with loss of identity for those parties that contest under the electoral symbol of another party!]

Anxiety of performance : Politicians form an electoral alliance with an eye on power and position rather than ideological integrity (kp 17/08/2022), Alliance seat-sharing gets knottier as Maoist Centre has Bhattarai, Gautam into its fold : Ruling coalition wants Dahal to accommodate the new entrants in his party’s own share, instead of asking to adjust them as well, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 17/08/2022)

115,131 local election candidates yet to submit expenditure statements (kh 17/08/2022)

EC intensifies preparation for free, fair poll (nlt 16/08/2022) [Elections in which top politicians decide which parties and candidates are even up for election in the respective constituencies are neither democratic nor fair!]

Maoist Center and NSP jointly registered at EC (rep 16/08/2022)

Nov 20 polls: Deadline for party registration at EC ends today (kh 16/08/2022)

Poll body asks Dahal to clarify his remark that a candidate in May polls spent Rs100 million : At a function last month, the Maoist Centre chair had said that a rural municipality chairman spent millions to secure victory (kp 16/08/2022)

Bamdev Gautam to contest under Maoist Centre's election symbol (rn 16/08/2022), Gautam’s risky political journey, by Tapendra Karki (rep 17/08/2022)

Dismantling patriarchy : Fielding a woman candidate is considered risky by the male-dominated parties in Nepal (kp 15/08/2022)

Election Commission mulls reducing campaign duration to 15 days : Submission of the lists of proportional representation candidates by political parties on September 18-19 and first-past-the-post candidacy registration on October 9-12 likely (kp 15/08/2022), EC may shorten campaign duration : It will reduce election expenditure, says CEC Thapaliya (ht 15/08/2022)

EC seeks media role for November 20 polls (kh 14/08/2022)

Prachanda and Dr. Bhattarai inching closer on single election symbol and manifesto agenda (kh 14/08/2022) [Two parties, one claiming to be communist, the other socialist, but the same election symbol and manifesto? The Political Party Act does not seem to interest these politicians!], Poles apart for around a decade, Prachanda and Baburam to forge electoral alliance (nlt 14/08/2022)

40 parties registered with EC for November 20 elections so far (kh 14/08/2022)

LSP and NSP want to join ruling alliance as election nears (rep 14/08/2022) [All parties should form an alliance and divide the seats among themselves. Then there would be no need for elections at all, the money saved could be distributed among the politicians and the latter could claim that Nepal has the best democracy in the world!]

Voices grow for fair representation of women as major elections near : Women leaders complain parties field fewer women for direct election. Experts blame the patriarchal mindset, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 13/08/2022)

More than 40 percent local election candidates yet to submit spending details : There were a total of 145,011 candidates. Poll law requires them to furnish the details within 30 days of election. The Election Commission mulls action, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 13/08/2022)

Nepal Police proposes 120 thousand temporary police for elections (kh 12/08/2022)

EC to conduct door-to-door voter education for Nov 20 polls, by Smriti Dhungana (rep 11/08/2022)

EC to update electoral roll from August 28 (kh 10/08/2022)

Provincial poll declaration should be provinces’ prerogative, observers say : Federalism yet to be embraced in a true sense with the centralised mindset refusing to go, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/08/2022)

As elections approach, some are calling for not repeating old faces : Observes say just changing a small set of leaders may not suffice amid degrading political culture, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/08/2022) [The SC's 2014 directive is binding law for the executive and the legislature. Prompt implementation would have meant that probably none of the top politicians who consider themselves indispensable would still be politically active today, which would be incredibly good for Nepal! Given the disenfranchisement of the electorate through the alliance manipulations of the parties, the NOTA option would be more important than ever!]

Coalition Seat-sharing Onus On NC, Maoist Centre, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 09/08/2022) [Voters should not vote for candidates of a party they do not want to vote for. The party leaders' request is completely undemocratic and leads the party system and thus ultimately parliamentary democracy ad absurdum!]

Will Nepal vote for change? Hopefully, we can eliminate some of the faces that have spread negativity amongst Nepalis, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 09/08/2022) [How is that supposed to work? The failed politicians at the top of the parties have already initiated anti-democratic measures to prevent change!]

Nomination filing for parliamentary, provincial polls on Oct 9 (nlt 09/08/2022)

Hridayesh to contest elections with his own party symbol (kh 08/08/2022)

Party registration for upcoming elections begins today (kh 07/08/2022)

Election calculation : After vacillating, Nepal's coalition finally agrees to 20 November for elections, by Santa Gaha Magar (nt 05/08/2022)

CK Raut to contest elections from Saptari-2 (kh 05/08/2022)

Temporary police to be recruited for November 20 elections (rep 04/08/2022) [It is the duty of the government to ensure that all Nepalis can exercise their right to vote, including deployed security forces, polling agents, migrant workers, etc.]

Govt decides to hold federal, provincial elections on Nov 20 (kh 04/08/2022) [The right to set an election date in the provinces lies with the respective provincial government and not with the central government! Nepal is a federal state! By the way, this also applies to local elections!], EC to start registration of political parties from Sunday (kh 04/08/2022), EC gears up preparations for November 20 elections (kh 05/08/2022), Elections announced for November 20 : Around 18.6 million voters estimated to have been registered for the upcoming elections, with around 1 million added since the May 13 local level polls. Election Commission says 107 days enough for preparations, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/08/2022)

MPs demand 50 per cent FPTP tickets for women, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 02/08/2022)

Government plans to hold elections on November 20 : The dillydallying in declaring the date has) prompted some to speculate if the ruling coalition is planning to delay the polls, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/08/2022)

EC directs govt to take action against employees who are members of political parties, by Smriti Dhungana (rep 01/08/2022), Public post holder with political affiliation will face action: EC (rn 01/08/2022)

SC orders EC not to implement its decision on RPP election symbol row (rep 26/07/2022)

CEC Thapaliya hints at holding federal election on Nov 20 (kh 26/07/2022)

Election Commission launches online voter registration in five more districts (nlt 21/07/2022)

Govt told to ensure voting rights of security personnel, civil servants and prisoners (kh 17/07/2022), Ensure security personnel, staff on poll day get to vote: SC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 18/07/2022)

Fill out online form to get registered as voter: EC (rn 12/07/2022), Election Commission launches online registration for voters’ roll in Kathmandu Valley (nlt 13/07/2022)

UML’s Ram Bahadur elected Budhiganga Mayor (kh 10/07/2022)

Ph.D. holder Basnet announces candidacy from Kathmandu-9 (kh 08/07/2022)

In Nepal, to be able to vote is a tough nut to crack : Forced to stand in long queues, coupled with delays, service seekers express rage against the tedious voter registration process, by Shrutika Raut ans Sakshi Srivastav (nlt 07/07/2022) [Nepal needs a mandatory population registration system using modern IT. Then additional voter registration will be unnecessary!]

Voting in Bajura’s Budhiganga municipality being held today (kh 07/07/2022), Police open fire at polling center in Bajura (nlt 07/07/2022)

EC officials to recommend Nov 18 or 21 to hold parliamentary and provincial elections (kh 06/07/2022), Poll commission suggests November 18 for federal and provincial elections : Holding both elections in a single phase is possible, it’s cost effective and easier from the management point of view, the commission says (kp 06/07/2022)

Groups demand limited access to voter roll on poll body’s website : They submitted a memo to the commission with several demands, including amendment to relevant electoral laws, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp 05/07/2022)

EC returns local polls’ unspent fund of Rs 1.5 billion to Ministry of Finance (kh 05/07/2022)

Ranju Darshana to contest upcoming federal election from Kathmandu-5 (nlt 03/07/2022)

Concept paper of independent candidacy campaign unveiled (rep 02/07/2022)

EC urges govt to manage e-voting machines for upcoming polls (nlt 30/06/2022) [Yawn, says the Deuba government! This is just like voting rights for the millions of excluded eligible voters!], EC keen to use EVM in general, provincial polls, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 01/07/2022)

EC preparing to hold federal and provincial elections by mid-December: CEC Thapaliya (nlt 30/06/2022)

Supreme Court quashes petition seeking to halt re-polling in Budhiganga Municipality (kh 28/06/2022)

Why Local Elections in Nepal Should be Held on Nonpartisan Basis, by Ambika P Adhikari and Keshav Bhattarai (rep 23/06/2022)

Congress leaders call for letting Nepalis away vote. Poll body says not feasible : Despite Supreme Court order in 2018, no initiatives taken for out-of-country voting. Debate on the issue when polls near seems to be more for public consumption, by Binod Ghimire (kp 22/06/2022)

Engineer Akarshan Pokharel announces candidature in Gagan Thapa’s constituency (kh 21/06/2022)

Snowbalen : Attacks by mainstream parties on independent candidates proves how worried they are about federal elections in November, by Shristi Karki (nt)

Call for bill on out-of-country voting, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 10/06/2022)

‘NC wins elections in 52% municipalities’ (rn 10/06/2022)

Battle of narratives : Political parties, basking in their complacency, didn't bother to check the rear-view mirror, preferring to just look ahead, by Avasna Pandey (kp 06/06/2022)

EC to open voter registration from June 15 (kh 06/06/2022)

Buoyed by success of local polls, Deuba for holding elections by end of November : Encouraged from local polls, the premier holds confidence in the coalition despite some concerns shown by partners, by Anil Giri (kp 05/06/2022)

Lessons From The Local Elections 2022, by Dipak Gyawali (sp 03/06/2022)

Man’s journey from office assistant to ward chief : Netra Bhattarai, 29, impressed many when he was employed at the ward office of Chishankhugadhi-5 as an office assistant. People’s encouragement led him to win the local polls and return to the same office as ward chairman, by Kumbha Raj Rai (kp 01/06/2022)

Parties widely used children in campaigns as poll body remained ineffective : Poll body failed to crack down on parties and stood as a mere spectator, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 31/05/2022)

Congress came first, followed by UML in second position in local polls. Will it shape the outcome of the federal elections? Here are some scenarios : How will Nepali political parties fare in the upcoming elections then? What will be their election strategies after the local poll results?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt 31/05/2022)

Implications Of Local Polls Outcome, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn 31/05/2022)

The Balen Shah magic: Its retrospect and prospect, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 31/05/2022), How Balen Shah, Harka Rai, and Gopi Hamal won their elections, by Jagadish Paudel (rec 31/05/2022), Let The Mayor Deliver On His Pledges, by Namrata Sharma (rn 01/06/2022)

Rekindling hope : This election and the results have provided many pointers that we need to take positively, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 31/05/2022)

Electoral Democracy and Clientelism in South Asia, by Matrika Poudyal (kp 30/05/2022)

The causes of invalid votes in Nepal, by Yatindra KC (nlt 30/05/2022)

Independent candidates rock Nepal’s local elections. What does it show about opportunities, challenges and messages? Many see the victory of independent candidates as the result of people’s frustration with and lack of trust in traditional political parties. Is that the only case?, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt 28/05/2022), Local elections: 385 independent candidates secure victory (rep 28/05/2022)

Electoral Shifts In Local Governance, by Dev Raj Dahal (rn 28/05/2022)

14,402 women elected in local level elections across country (kh), Sunita’s entry into politics not a coincidental one, by Asmita Belabase (rep 28/05/2022)

Balen Shah elected Kathmandu Mayor (nlt 27/05/2022), Independent candidate Balen Shah elected KMC mayor, UML’s Sunita Dangol deputy mayor (kh 27/05/2022), Balen Shah vows to make Kathmandu world’s most beautiful city (kh 27/05/2022) [Please be careful. This now sounds similar to the failed party politicians. The people in KTM will be happy if you make things better.], Balen registers historical win in KMC (ht 27/05/2022)

Local election results: Marred by tortoise-paced counting, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 27/05/2022)

Local levels elect 14,402 women representatives (kh 27/05/2022)

Message Through The Ballot, by Kundan Aryal (rn 27/05/2022)

8 municipalities of Lamjung have only men as mayors (kh 26/05/2022)

Inclusive elections: Still a big challenge, by Dev Datta Joshi (ht 26/05/2022)

‘Balen’ canes parties with the walking stick : Kathmandu voters rap Congress, UML on the knuckles as they pick a rapper, also a structural engineer, as their new mayor, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/05/2022)

Vote counting underway in three local units : As per the final results till Thursday morning, NC has secured wins in 326 municipals as UML is placed second with wins in 205 local units (nlt 26/05/2022), Vote count in 749 out of 753 local bodies over; results of 4 yet to come out (kh 26/05/2022), 34,890 people’s representatives elected across country (kh 26/05/2022), Balen secures 38% votes as 3 wards remain to be counted in KMC : Sirjana: 24.24%, Sthapit: 24.03% (kh 26/05/2022), 35,034 representatives elected across country (kh 26/05/2022)

Sudurpaschim fails to elect women, Dalits in chief roles : Number of women representatives elected in deputy mayor and vice-chairperson positions has also decreased as compared to previous local elections, by Arjun Shah (kp 25/05/2022)

EC publishes result of 744 local levels, nine still to come (kh 25/05/2022), Independent candidate Balen Shah certain to become KMC mayor. Balen: 55,747, Sirjana: 35,371, Sthapit: 34,626 (kh 25/05/2022)

34,741 out of 35,221 local representatives elected so far (kh 24/05/2022)

Renu Dahal elected Bharatpur Mayor for second term (nlt 24/05/2022), JSP’s Singh elected Birgunj mayor, NC’s Alam deputy mayor (kh 24/05/2022)

NC largest as vote count complete in 734 local levels : NC wins in 321, UML: 200, Maoist Center: 120 (kh 24/05/2022), Out of 753 local levels, EC declares result of 740 levels : NC: wins in 322, UML: 203, Maoist Center: 121 (kh 24/05/2022)

Local Poll Deflates Oli's Ego, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 24/05/2022)

UML calls for recounting of votes in Pokhara Metropolis-18 : As per the final results of the vote count at the ward announced this morning, Nepali Congress candidate Shiva Prasad Timilsina had won the Ward Chair post by a margin of three votes (nlt 24/05/2022)

Local polls are over. It’s time for voting reforms : Nepal had five years to plan for better elections and a better election process. But there have been no reforms, similar patterns are being repeated, by Shreya Subedi (nlt 23/05/2022)

Parties have much to learn from independents' rise, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 23/05/2022)

Resham Chaudhary won election from hiding. His 5-month-old party claims Tikapur when he is in jail : Tharus who feel they were shortchanged by the state have spoken through the ballot, activists and analysts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/05/2022)

NC largest as vote count complete in 726 local levels : NC wins in 320, UML: 197, Maoist Center: 120 (kh 23/05/2022)

What’s in store for the five-party alliance after local vote results? With increased bargaining power, the Maoists may want to continue partnership, but CPN (Unified Socialist) and Janata Samajbadi Party look unhappy, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 23/05/2022)

Post politics in Nepal : Disillusioned or not with the parties, a large number of people turn out to cast their votes, by Abhi Subedi (kp 22/05/2022), Local Polls: Outcome And Message, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 22/05/2022)

Final results announced for 706 levels (kh 22/05/2022)

Independent candidate Hamal elected as mayor of Dhangadhi (rep 22/05/2022), Independent candidate Rai leading in Dharan sub-metropolis as about 4,500 votes left to count (kh 22/05/2022)

EC releases results of 6 out of 11 sub-metropolises so far (kh 22/05/2022)

Vote count in 684 out of 753 local bodies over : NC wins mayor/chair in 303 local levels; UML in 185 and Maoist Center in 116 (kh 21/05/2022)

Results of around 90 % local levels out, by Arpana Adhikari (rn 21/05/2022)

Over 150 local units set to be devoid of representatives, creating a vacuum : Experts show problem with the system, including the law that restricts poll body’s powers, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/05/2022)

Local Polls And Development, by Udbodh Bhandari (rn 20/05/2022)

Local elections dent deposit collection (ht 20/05/2022)

Vote count in 628 of 753 local levels over : NC wins mayor/chair in 280 local levels; UML in 173 and Maoist Center in 112 (kh 20/05/2022), Ruling coalition gets victory in more than two-thirds local levels (kh 20/05/2022), Cut down to size : Citizens have shown what they think of CPN-UML's actions in recent past (kp 20/05/2022)

Newly elected ward member found dead (kh 20/05/2022)

Ditch the paper : There is still room to employ electronic voting in provincial and federal elections (ae 19/05/2022)

Impressions from the election past : The big takeaway is that nothing mattered in the end except the promise of change, by Deepak Thapa (kp 19/05/2022), Civic Engagement At Local Level, by Mukti Rijal (rn 19/05/2022), Balen Shah's popularity: Nepal seeks a new national party, by Sumit Pathak (ht 19/05/2022)

NC dominates results tally with wins in 252 local units, UML victorious in 164 municipals (nlt 19/05/2022), Vote count in 570 of 753 local levels over : NC wins mayor/chairperson in 253 local levels; UML in 164 and Maoist Center in 105 (kh 19/05/2022)

Geeta Chaudhary becomes first female mayor in Saptari (rep 19/05/2022)

Controversy erupts after more ballot papers were found in Nepalgunj-18 (rep 19/05/2022), Vote count postponed in Butwal : Who broke the ballot box seal and why?, by Rekha Bhusal (rep 19/05/2022)

Election taking place at additional 15 voting centres (kh 18/05/2022)

Balen Shah maintains a steady lead in mayoral race of Kathmandu (nlt 18/05/2022), NC leads the tally with wins in 203 local units, UML victorious in 127 municipals (nlt 18/05/2022), Independent candidate Sampang takes lead in Dharan Sub metropolis (kh 18/05/2022), Janamat Party wins mayor in Saptari’s Hanumannagar (kh 18/05/2022), UML demands to stop vote-counting in Pokhara (kh 18/05/2022)

Constantly spurned, how Dalits united to create history in local elections : A team of independent Dalit candidates wins four out of five seats in Ward 8 of Kanakasundari Rural Municipality in Jumla, including the post of chair, by DB Budha (kp 17/05/2022)

Towards voting reform : Election symbols were an alternative when the literacy rate was 20 percent in 1960, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 17/05/2022), Slow-paced counting : The best way to reduce the time for counting the votes is to switch to the Electronic Voting Machine (ht 17/05/2022)

Final results of 282 municipals out, NC wins Chief in 128 local units as UML wins in 78 (nlt 17/05/2022)

Why aren’t more women selected as candidates? Patriarchy alone is not a sufficient explanation for the lack of women in candidate selection for the recently held local elections, by Seira Tamang (rec 16/05/2022)

Disillusioned voters : The truth of the matter is that people are fed up with the antics of politicians (kpVote count disrupted in two places in Jhapa (kh 16/05/2022) [!!!]

Local polls: Nepali Congress looks set to gain, and also to be saviour of Maoists : UML reacts with charges of rigging as alliance seems to have worked to give the odds in favour of ruling parties, by Binod Ghimire (kp 16/05/2022), NC leading in nationwide vote count tally (rep 16/05/2022)

Nepalis in general love to vote. Why is turnout low then? Disenchantment? In Kathmandu Metropolitan City, poll officials say, just half of the registered voters showed up to cast their ballot, by Binod Ghimire (kp 15/05/2022)

Festering political feud resulted in violent election day, observers say : Single-phase vote also stressed security, making forces unable to contain the violence, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 15/05/2022)

Call for action against those who made it difficult for persons with disabilities to vote : Depriving persons with disabilities of their voting right has legal consequences, rights bodies say (kp 15/05/2022)

It takes 32 hours to count 2,424 votes (kh 15/05/2022), Slow vote counting exposes poor skills of Election Commission
Nepal's local polls were held on Friday. The vote counting is taking a long time but Nepal's election management body looks blithely indifferent (nlt 16/05/2022), Sluggish vote counting calls for switching to tech-friendly elections : The pace at which ballot papers of municipal elections are being counted is tiring and cumbersome and is a source of controversy, observers say, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 16/05/2022)

People vote with hope and fervour even as they resent politicians, parties : There are some reports of violence in different parts of the country, but the vote was largely peaceful, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 14/05/2022)

Counting votes within wire fences reflects degrading political culture : Fears of shenanigans have grown, prompting measures like CCTV and fencing, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/05/2022)

On killed in clash between NC and Maoist Center cadres in Solukhumbu (kh 14/05/2022), Two people die in election-related violence in Udayapur, Solukhumbu : Violent clashes, mainly over disputes regarding vote counting, have been reported post-election at several places, by Dilliram Khatiwada and Bhanubhakta Niraula (kp 15/05/2022)

UML cadres accused of beating women in Myagdi (rep 14/05/2022), Police open fire to contain the situation as Deumai polling station Ilam goes tense, by Bhim Chapagain (rep 14/05/2022)

Collection of ballot boxes begins (In pics) (kh 13/05/2022), Voting completed with sporadic incidents (kh 13/05/2022), Vote counting to start from today evening (rep 13/05/2022)

Raute community deprived of voting right, again (rep 13/05/2022)

27% votes cast as of 11:15 am: EC Spokesperson (kh 13/05/2022), 35 percent voter turnout till noon: Election Commission (nlt 13/05/2022). 41% votes cast till 2 PM (rep 13/05/2022), 55 percent votes cast till 4 pm: Election Commission (kh 13/05/2022), EC preliminary estimate puts local election voter turnout at 64 percent (kh 13/05/2022), Voters' turnout not as per expectation; election postponed in 44 polling centers (rep 14/05/2022)

Rights body says elections were not peaceful as expected : Voting stalled in different parts of the country and clashes reported in some area (kp 13/05/2022), Major political parties found violating election code: NHRC (rep 13/05/2022)

Police inspector’s wayward firing kills youth in Udaypur (kh 13/05/2022)

Violent activities reported in several places during local elections : In some places, security personnel fired warning shots to quell the clashes (kp 13/05/2022)

Chits used to cast votes in Bharatpur (rep 13/05/2022)

Local elections: Voting obstructed in 53 polling centers (nlt 13/05/2022)

Registered voters who showed driving licence as identity barred from voting : Election Commission says voter identity card or citizenship certificate or passport, or national identity card were the only identification documents recognised for voting, by Arjun Poudel (kp 13/05/2022)

Voting suspended at two polling centers of Pacharauta (rep 13/05/2022), Voting suspended at three polling centers in Dhankuta (kh 13/05/2022), Voting postponed at four polling centers in Kavre (rep 13/05/2022)

NHRC finds poor arrangements for voters' access to polling centres (ht 13/05/2022)

EC seeks clarification from Bhattarai (kh 13/05/2022)

Local polls: Nepal votes to elect local representatives for the next five years :This is the second time Nepal is voting in the local polls after the country adopted a federal democratic system in 2015 following the promulgation of a new constitution, by Ashim Neupane and Nishan Khatiwada (nlt 13/05/2022), Nepalis head to the polls to shape the country’s future (kh 13/05/2022), Tell your own story : Citizens can decide whether they want to elect somebody who governs them or serves them (kp 13/05/2022)

Enthusiastic voters exercise their franchise (Photo Feature) (kh 13/05/2022)

Elderly dies in course of exercising franchise in Baitadi (kh 13/05/2022)

Clashes reported in different places on election day : Clashes between cadres of different political parties have occurred in Humla, Dolakha, Bara and Okhaldhunga among other districts (nlt 13/05/2022), Tensions in Sindhupalchowk’s Jyamire, Army moves forward to take the situation under control (kh 13/05/2022), Polling affected as firing goes in Ramechhap (kp 13/05/2022), Aerial Firing at Kumbhakarna, Dhanusha (kh 13/05/2022), Ballot boxes vandalized in Dakneshwari, Saptari, by Raghab Sharma (kh 13/05/2022), 15 people injured in a clash at Gadhimai, Rautahat (rep 13/05/2022), Voting postponed due to clash at Shailyashikhar, Darchula (kh 13/05/2022), 10 injured in Kharpunath clash (kh 13/05/2022), Ballot papers torn in Achham, polling postponed in two centers (kh 13/05/2022), Voting at Dakneshwori Municipality-2 to take place on Sunday (kh 13/05/2022), Volunteer injured in Gorkha firing (kh 13/05/2022), Locals run away with ballot boxes in Rautahat (kh 13/05/2022), Clashes broke out in 16 places, warning shots fired in eight places on election day : Two injured in Khukuri altercation in Kohalpur (kh 13/05/2022), Byas Municipality mayoral candidate Joshi injured in assault (kh 13/05/2022), Widespread tension in Sarlahi: Aerial shots fired at three places, polling officials beaten, by Madan Thakur (rep 13/05/2022)

Major political parties found violating election code: NHRC (kh 13/05/2022)

Pollution a passing reference in Capital’s mayoral race, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 12/05/2022)

Why aren’t political parties talking about earthquakes?, by Cilla Khatry (ae 12/05/2022)

Implications of low women representation in local polls, by Neelam Dhanuse (rep 12/05/2022)

Confusing ballot design may lead to a large number of invalid votes, experts fear : Democracy activists, intellectuals and political parties are worried that the number of invalid votes might be high due to a jumbo ballot paper and confusion over alliance's candidates, by Abiral Gautam (nlt 12/05/2022)

The more teeth to poll commission, the stronger democracy will be, observers say : There are laws but the election body lacks resources—human and financial—to crack down on wrongdoers, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 12/05/2022)

Everything you need to know before you go vote, by Sanjeet M Rajbhandari (rec 12/05/2022)

People are leaving Valley in droves to cast votes in the local polls : Many wait for hours to get seats with most vehicles exiting Kathmandu jam-packed, by Shuvam Dhungana and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 12/05/2022), BP Highway sees heavy traffic in days before elections : Thousands of people are leaving for their home districts to exercise their franchise, by Raj Kumar Karki (kp 12/05/2022)

Transgender people’s qualms continue as Nepal votes in local polls tomorrow : While the Election Commission has taken some steps to try and create a safe voting environment for transgender people, activists say that there is still a lack of nuanced understanding of transgender issues, by Shranup Tandukar (kp 12/05/2022)

260 thousand security persons mobilized for local election (kh 12/05/2022)

Local Polls : Parties Put Heavy Stakes, by Mukti Rijal (rn)

Local election: Are candidates aware of climate issues?, by Ghanashyam Khanal and Yatish Acharya (ht 12/05/2022)

Despite pre-election clashes, polls may pass relatively peacefully, observers say : Police say as many as 62 cases of clashes have been reported between April 24 and Tuesday, May 10, but expect violence to subside with the silent period in force, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/05/2022)

Will local elections shape Nepal’s future? (kh 12/05/2022)

EC enhances mechanism to monitor implementation of code of conduct (kh 12/05/2022)

NWC urges to prevent violence against women during election (kh 12/05/2022)

27 media outlets face music; 25 journos warned off on first day of silence period (kh 12/05/2022)

77 % of votes cast in mock polls invalid (kh 12/05/2022)

Nine candidates die as May 13 local poll inches closer (kh 12/05/2022)

20 injured as NC and Maoist Center cadres clash with each other (kh 12/05/2022) [Nice alliance!]

The oligarchy celebrates local polls : The fundamental appeal of municipal polls lies in their ideological vacuity, by CK Lal (kp 11/05/2022)

Local election manifesto: More ritualistic, less realistic, by Jiba Raj Pokharel (ht 11/05/2022)

Expenditure limit for candidates contesting Nepal’s local polls 2022: Here’s how much they can spend (nlt 11/05/2022)

Lack of voter education in Achham villages may lead to invalid votes : Both parties and their candidates have failed to give due importance to the voter education campaign. As a result, many eligible voters are unaware of the voting process creating high chances of invalid votes, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 11/05/2022)

Election Commission seeks clarification from Dahal, Rana : The poll body has written to them, asking if their recent remarks at campaigns amounted to threatening voters (kp 11/05/2022)

Gradual improvement in election process: Report (ht 11/05/2022) [???]

UML and NC cadres clash in Surkhet, six including four police injured (kh 11/05/2022)

Election silence period: What cannot be done? (nlt 11/05/2022)

2,946 polling centers highly sensitive; 260,000 security personnel deployed (kh 11/05/2022)

Over 1,500 teachers resign on the eve of local polls (rep 11/05/2022) [????]

In case you lose your voter ID, you can still vote by showing your citizenship card, by Hari Krishna Gautam (rep 11/05/2022)

Citizens leaving Kathmandu Valley to cast their votes (kh 11/05/2022) [Nepal must make it mandatory that its citizens are registered where they live, not where they were born. Then they won't have to travel for elections either!]

Schools to remain closed for six days starting today (kh 11/05/2022) [????]

Returning Officers reach all voting centres (kh 11/05/2022)

Remove poll campaign content from social media, CEC tells contestants (ht 11/05/2022)

Nomination set for today after candidate’s demise (kh 11/05/2022)

New voters being provided with voter ID cards today and tomorrow (kh 11/05/2022)

Imports via Rasuwagadhi checkpoint halted (kh 11/05/2022)

Kishore Thapa: ‘The goal is to establish a new political narrative and develop a new political culture’ (interview) (rec 10/05/2022)

About half of Nepal’s voters will not be able to cast their votes in local polls (rep 10/05/2022)

Despite law, Nepal fails to achieve Dalit women representation in wards : Parties say they failed to find candidates, an argument Dalit activists do not agree with, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 10/05/2022)

For people with disabilities, there are barriers galore to right to voting: Secrecy, lack of ballot papers with tactile relief, and tall tables are key infrastructural issues, by Aakash Chaudhary (kp 10/05/2022), Family can assist visually impaired in voting (ht 10/05/2022), Voting rights for all : Persons with disabilities in Nepal continue to be excluded from the electoral process (kp 11/05/2022)

Regulating social media during election silence period to be challenge (kh 10/05/2022)

UML and JSP strike deal to maintain electoral coordination in Palungtar Municipality, Gorkha (kh 10/05/2022)

Deputy mayoral candidate of Maharajgunj municipality Kurmi dies (kh 10/05/2022)

Former Chief Election Commissioner Yadav denied “special observer” role (kh 10/05/2022)

All results of local polls will be published by May 19: CEC Thapaliya (interview) (rep 10/05/2022)

Border checkpoints to be closed from today (kh 10/05/2022), Silence period for May 13 local polls to begin from today midnight : Election campaign and publicity forbidden (kh 10/05/2022), ‘Publicity materials around polling booth to be removed before silence period commences” (kh 10/05/2022)

Who is Kathmandu Metropolis Mayor?, by Sarin Ghimire (kh 10/05/2022)

What to know: Nepal’s local elections 2022 : The local elections are taking place on May 13 across Nepal. Here are some important data and insights you need to know about the elections, by Pragya Lamsal (nlt 09/05/2022)

‘Vote for those with commitment to address women’s issues’ (kh 09/05/2022)

Balen Shah: A youth icon, and a ray of hope amid politics of despair. Balen Shah has emerged as a symbol of hope for change, an icon for those who are deeply dissatisfied with established political parties to look up to in Kathmandu, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt 09/05/2022)

All roar, no bite: Poll body says will monitor spending. Experts doubt : The Election Commission has announced it will deploy officials to monitor campaign expenditures, but analysts say they see little chance of action against overspending, a key source of corruption, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 09/05/2022)

In Madhesh Province, the political landscape is changing : Analysts say the CPN-UML will likely gain from the deep divisions in the Madhesi parties and the alliance politics of five ruling forces, by Anil Giri (kp 09/05/2022) [KP Oli has also pursued a sometimes brutal anti-Madhesh policy since 2015 and has shown no understanding for the concerns of the Tarai people. It is hard to imagine that the people have already forgotten this!]

Poll staff, election materials airlifted to remote Chhangru and Tinkar areas (rn 09/05/2022)

Border checkpoints to remain closed for three days (kh 09/05/2022), Borders to be sealed for 72 hours before elections : The government has decided to close all international border points from May 10 midnight to May 13 midnight, by Matrika Dahal (kp 09/05/2022)

Ballot papers reach all 77 districts; 78,000 ballot boxes readied (kh 09/05/2022)

EC issues directives for installing CC cameras at all vote counting stations (nlt 09/05/2022)

4 temporary police personnel die; 48 terminated (kh 09/05/2022)

One-third votes cast in Surkhet invalid (kh 08/05/2022) [in mock polling; the alienating nature of the alliance politics of the party leaders makes the already complicated local elections even more complicated!]

Local Level Election: Number of adult candidates much higher as compared to other age groups (kh 08/05/2022) [All candidates are adults!!!]

Candidates wooing voters with booze, mutton (ht 08/05/2022)

EC urges not to use flags of other parties (rep 08/05/2022), EC warns against use of other party flags, election symbols (ht 08/05/2022)

Majority of local levels see old faces (ht 08/05/2022)

Local Polls: A Democratic Milestone, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 08/05/2022)

EC deploys monitoring teams in different districts that are deemed ‘security sensitive’ (rep 08/05/2022)

EC can address doubts; remain pivotal to electoral security, by Abhaya R Joshi (kh 08/05/2022)

EC seeks clarification from 37 individuals for violating code of conduct (kh 08/05/2022)

Unidentified person attacks election candidate with khukuri (kh 08/05/2022)

EC tightens screw against code of conduct breach (kh 07/05/2022)

Not just UML, Congress and Maoist Centre, many unheard of parties are also contesting local polls : Some of the political parties registered for the May 13 elections have quirky and peculiar names (kp 07/05/2022)

Vehicles to be barred from Nepal's roads on May 13 (ht 07/05/2022)

Election hits school enrolment campaign : School enrolment campaign has not been able to make much headway since most people are either out participating in political rallies or listening to the political campaigners, say educators, by Samjhana Rasaili (kp 07/05/2022)

Arzu under fire for her remarks to stop grants where Congress loses : Analysts say her remarks reflect a lack of understanding of how the state functions, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 07/05/2022) [This is not only offensive, it is criminal and corrupt!]

Local polls more complicated now to predict with alliance politics and splits : Despite Deuba’s wish and Dahal-Nepal’s compulsion, their poll partnership did not take off well, and UML hopes gains, by Anil Giri (kp 07/05/2022)

PM Deuba flies to Damauli from Butwal on Nepali Army chopper (kh 07/05/2022) [????]

Transportation of ballot papers completed: Election Commission (nlt 07/05/2022)

4,000 employees being deployed for election (kh 07/05/2022) [And they will be deprived of voting themselves!], Army takes over security in critical areas (kh 07/05/2022) [They will not be allowed to vote either!]

Call to facilitate participation of persons with disabilities (kh 07/05/2022)

UML cadres attack Maoist Center election candidates in Sindhupalchowk (kh 07/05/2022)

Sale and distribution of alcohol prohibited in Baitadi (kh 07/05/2022)

Baby on her back, Dalit mother on campaign trail : Mina Biswakarma is standing for municipality chair in Myagdi to uplift her community, by Anita Bhetwal (nt 06/05/2022)

Elections in the age of social media : Candidates for the local level elections are advertising more and more on social media, especially Facebook, presenting the Election Commission with new problems it must account for, by Samik Kharel (rec 06/05/2022)

Exploring the barriers to the right to inclusive election in Nepal : Despite elaborate provisions on including persons with disabilities in political and public life in Nepal, political participation by persons with disabilities remains minimal, by Dev Datta Joshi (rec 06/05/2022)

Local Polls Deepen Democracy, by Bhupa P Dhamala (rn 06/05/2022) [But not if they are appropriated and controlled by the national level!]

Domestic flights to remain closed on election day (May 13) (rep 06/05/2022)

Only vehicles with permission to be allowed to ply on voting day (rn 06/05/2022)

Candidates ask yarsa pickers to stay back for polls but few are interested : Many people are in a hurry to go to the uplands this harvesting season since they haven’t been able to make the journey in the last two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic, by DB Budha (kp 06/05/2022)

170 seats for Dalit women representatives go unclaimed, by Rajkarabn Mahato (ae 05/05/2022)

Electoral syndicate against women : From the first election, one thing that hasn't changed is the politics of hegemonic masculinity, by Chandra Bhadra and Sucheta Pyakuryal (kp 05/05/2022)

EC’s Push For Electoral Reform, by Mukti Rijal (rn 05/05/2022)

Cause of rebel candidature: Party indiscipline or wrong modus operandi?, by Jibaraj Pokharel (ht 05/05/2022)

Political parties flouting poll code in Bhaktapur (ht 05/05/2022)

NC and Maoist Center cadres clash with each other in Rukum West (kh 05/05/2022)

EC writes to Home Ministry urging to call back SP Shahi deployed at joint election cell (kh 05/05/2022)

EC directs candidates, political parties to spend through banking system (kp 04/05/2022)

Complaint filed at Election Office against PM Deuba over his proposed Chitwan visit (rep 04/05/2022)

Parties violating election code of conduct in Bajura (ht 04/05/2022)

Valley’s female candidates outline their women-related commitments : The candidates, vying for two top executive posts at local units in the Kathmandu Valley, promised they’d ensure a violence-free, safe and empowering environment for women (kp 03/05/2022)

CEC Thapaliya calls on mass media to aware people on voting rights (kh) [Also on the voting rights of election workers, security personnel and the millions of migrant workers that have been denied by politicians for years, despite clear directives from the Supreme Court?]

Election Commission has stricter code of conduct but lacks mechanism to monitor it : Observers find many clauses impractical as neither parties can follow them nor officials can check compliance, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 02/05/2022)

Final list for polls : The EC should leave no stone unturned to take legal action against those who violate the code of conduct (ht 02/05/2022)

20,000 observers of 68 organisations to observe local poll (rn 02/05/2022)

Local election: No candidacy in 149 Dalit woman members (rn 02/05/2022)

10 candidates elected unopposed in Taplejung local polls (kh 02/05/2022)

Election Commission seeks clarification from Ktm mayoral candidate Sthapit (kh 02/05/2022)

Voters in Birgunj are perplexed as to who to vote for because of alliance politics : Since the Madhes Movement, the parties that championed it have splintered and ultimately joined hands with the forces they once rebelled against, puzzling voters, Tufan Neupane and Bhusan Yadav (kp 01/05/2022)

EC warns of action against anyone publishing poll-related fake info on social media (kh 01/05/2022)

Listen to the locals, by Parmeshwar Devkota (rn 01/05/2022)

Row Of Rebel Candidates, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 01/05/2022)

Ballot papers remain to be sent to 17 districts only (kh 01/05/2022)

Poll candidate dies (kh 01/05/2022)

EC receives 300 queries on local polls a day (ht 01/05/2022)

Women leaders from across the political spectrum say they feel constrained : Their representation in local elections has been trimmed but they cannot speak up. Female politicians say the fight will continue though, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp 30/04/2022)

As alliance parties threaten rebel candidates, Election Commission says that’s criminal act : The election body states that the threats violate citizens’ legal and constitutional right to take part in elections, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 30/04/2022) [When will the so-called top politicians finally be punished appropriately for their constant high-handed behaviour? Non-election of such persons and their protégés would be an appropriate response!], Ruling alliance to take action against cadres violating directives (kh 01/05/2022)

12,789 independent candidates getting election symbols today (kh 30/04/2022), EC provides election symbols to candidates (kh 30/04/2022), Local level poll candidates receive election symbols (rep 30/04/2022)

Over 4,000 withdraw candidacies, by Ranju Kafle(rn 30/04/2022), More than 8,000 withdraw candidacies (ht 01/05/2022)

Bajura Dalits in fix following CPN-UML's bifurcation (ht 30/04/2022)

RPP expresses concern over death threat issued against the party’s candidate (rep 30/04/2022)

EC to provide election symbols to candidates today (kh 30/04/2022)

Border checkpoints to be closed for three days before local polls (rep 30/04/2022)

All people’s representatives elected unopposed in Gurja (kh 30/04/2022)

Whose election is it anyway? Kin and clan networks will once again play a formidable role in determining victory margins, by Amish Raj Mulmi (kp 29/04/2022)

Don’t force anyone to withdraw candidacy: Election Commission (rep 29/04/2022)

Poll panel's new directive unfair to fairer sex : Can affect women's representation in civic bodies as parties prefer to oblige alliance partners, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 29/04/2022)

Election Commission tells local govts to compulsorily install CCTV cameras 7at vote counting venues (rep 29/04/2022)

Candidacy withdrawal open till 5 pm today : EC to publish final list of candidates (kh 29/04/2022)

Rebel candidates refuse to heed party orders to withdraw from race : Election Commission officials say it is against the code of conduct to pressure the candidates to pull out, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 29/04/2022) [Just to remind you: In November 1994, "rebel candidates" caused Girija's defeat after he refused to meet Ganesh Man Singh's legitimate demands!]

17.7 mln ballot papers of required 19.4 mln printed so far (kh 29/04/2022)

EC asks govt to declare public holiday on May 13, seeks permission to use physical infrastructures of local govts (rep 29/04/2022)

5,251 queries registered in EC call center in past 30 days (kh 29/04/2022)

Curbing Monetary Muscle In Polls, by Mukti Rijal (rn 28/04/2022)

Alliance politics impacts female candidacy in local level elections : Close to 41 percent women had won in 2017, but fewer will be elected this time, with nomination number itself down, by Binod Ghimire (kp 28/04/2022), Fewer women this time : Underrepresentation of women in politics has long-term drawbacks (kp 29/04/2022)

As many as 152,465 candidates register nominations for 35,221 posts for local election (kh 28/04/2022), EC to publish name-list of candidates today (kh 28/04/2022)

Action taken against media violating election code of conduct (kh 28/04/2022)

Experts suggest measures to make election process fair and transparent : Experts said while there are a number of laws and policies in place to regulate and monitor the political parties and their acts, weak implementation has led to rising cases of anomalies and violations of election code of conduct (nlt 27/04/2022)

Voting: A Voice Of The Voiceless, by Balmukunda Regmi (rn 27/04/2022) [But only if candidates are also nominated who represent their interests and not those imposed by the central party leadership!]

Low Women Candidacy Breaches Statute, by Namrata Sharma (rn 27/04/2022)

Coalition partners seek electoral alliance within camp (rn 27/04/2022) [These so-called top politicians simply do not want to understand that in the federal system they have no right to prescribe such things to the local level!]

EC to look into nomination papers and complaints today and tomorrow (kh 27/04/2022)

Pindalbari folk pledge votes to those who will build bridge over Biring River : The remote village in Jhapa is cut off from the rest of the district for most of the year due to rise in water level, by Arjun Rajbanshi (kp 27/04/2022)

Believing in democracy, once-extremist forces of Chand and Raut are joining the poll fray : The hardliners joining the elections is a good move and it does not matter whether they win or lose, experts say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 27/04/2022)

Hard to retain last election’s achievements with less women candidates this time (kh 26/04/2022)

Nomination for Dalit women member nil in seven wards of Humla (kh 26/04/2022)

20,000 observers from 68 organizations to be deployed for local polls (kh 26/04/2022)

Election paraphernalia dispatched to all 77 districts (ht 26/04/2022)

Keshav Sthapit’s candidacy for Kathmandu mayor sparks furore : Sthapit has been accused of sexual harassment by at least two women, by Aakriti Ghimire (kp 26/04/2022) [He should not run for any political office until a court has certified his innocence!]

Chheten becomes ward no 7 chair of Phaktanglung Rural Municipality unopposed (kh 26/04/2022)

Local Election 2022 : Expectation vs reality, by Ayushma Maharjan (nlt 25/04/2022)

Ensuring that local polls are truly free and fair, by Alok Pokharel (rec 25/04/2022)

Local elections: Today is final day for nomination filing (kh 25/04/2022), 48,197 candidates file nominations for May 13 local election
Number likely to increase: EC (kh 25/04/2022), Over 100,000 nominations filed for local polls : Ruling coalition sees discord and discontent in some districts with some challenging the alliance politics, by Anil Giri and Tika R Pradhan (kp), Local elections 2022: 137,043 candidates file nominations across country (kh 26/04/2022), Number of candidates filing nomination for local polls crosses 141,000 (kh 26/04/2022)

Everything you need to know about May 13 local polls : As many as 79 parties are registered to contest elections at the local level (kp 24/04/2022)

Poll Alliances And Discontents, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 24/04/2022)

Time for Election Commission to set example by enforcing code of conduct : Observers say candidates easily spend beyond limit as there were no actions in such cases in the past, by Binod Ghimire (kp 24/04/2022)

Candidates filing nominations for local polls today and tomorrow (nlt 24/04/2022), Candidacy registration for May 13 local election begins today (kh 24/04/2022)

Election publicity materials removed (kh 24/04/2022)

Alliance for local polls raises spectre of the notorious ‘all-party mechanisms’ : The so-called all-party committees were a tool for the parties to share the spoils, and experts fear a repeat of the practice that will degenerate into kleptocracy, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/04/2022)

Local elections 2022: 168,000 security personnel to be mobilized (kh 23/04/2022) [And they will all not be given the opportunity to exercise their own right to vote!]

AWC appeals voters not to vote human rights violators (kh 23/04/2022)

EC asks leaders in closed list of PR system to remove names if they want to contest local polls (kh 23/04/2022)

Govt to use private helicopters in local level election (rep 23/04/2022)

EC categorizes over 50 percent voting centers in Madhes province as ‘most sensitive’ (kh 22/04/2022)

Election alliance : The outcome of the local polls will be largely decided by the 3.6 million new generation voters (ht 22/04/2022)

“Voters should exercise their sovereign rights while voting”, interview with Laxman Phuyal (kh 21/04/2022)

EC develops tough provisions for election monitoring (ht 21/04/2022)

Ruling coalition ‘decides’ to field candidacy of Srijana Singh as KMC mayor (rep 20/04/2022)

Ruling coalition to finalize distribution of metropolises and sub metropolises today (kh 19/04/2022) [Nepal is a federal state. Nominating candidates for local elections is not the responsibility of national party leaders!]

Half the ballot papers for upcoming polls printed (ht 19/04/2022)

Elected representatives need to resign if they wish to contest again : Supreme Court quashes petition against poll commission’s mandatory requirement of resignation (kp 19/04/2022) [This is now binding law, but still not rationally comprehensible. The then Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi did not even resign from his position as CJ in 2013 when he took over as head of the executive.]

Dalits demand respectable, proportional representation in upcoming elections (ht 18/04/2022)

Joint Election Operation Center to be established for May 13 local polls : The JEOC has the main responsibility to make necessary coordination to establish election offices and facilitate to submit progress reports related to election programs run by district election offices (nlt 18/04/2022)

Correct Information Key To Fair Polls, by Ballav Dahal (rn 18/04/2022)

As political parties focus on winning seats, electorate takes a back seat : Polling day is only 26 days away, but none of the parties except for Rastriya Janamorcha has unveiled their manifesto for the local level election, by Binod Ghimire (kp 18/04/2022)

Election alliances of Nepali parties: sense or nonsense in local elections?, by Karl-Heinz Krämer (kh 17/04/2022), Alliance politics may help parties but for first-time voters, it comes with confusion : During local level elections, an adult votes for seven candidates. Remembering all the symbols and cross-party candidates will be difficult, observers say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/04/2022), In desperate bid, UML collaborates with two fringe parties on polls : As the five parties take forward their electoral alliance plan, the opposition party makes boastful claims even while pursuing any potential tie-up, by Binod Ghimire (kp 17/04/2022)

EC determines election symbols for parties (rep 17/04/2022)

Nation engrossed in election (kh 17/04/2022)

NC’s Joshi faction to forge electoral alliance with UML in Tanahun (kh 17/04/2022)

EC deploys 77 chiefs, 676 returning officers for local election (kh 17/04/2022)

‘If problems appear in some local units, alliance members will have friendly competition’ : Maoist Centre leader Barsha Man Pun speaks on the electoral alliance of ruling parties for local elections, and the economy (interview) (kp 15/04/2022)

Security Plans For Local Elections, by Purushottam Khatri (rn 14/04/2022)

EC for vacating stay on code provision, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 14/04/2022)

Elections law defines circumstances of ballot counting centre capture (ht 14/04/2022), EC's adamancy : The only way to discourage booth capture is for the EC to act tough and not be intimidated by anyone (ht 15/04/2022)

Dr. Deuba calls for electoral quotas for women based on proportional inclusion (kh 13/04/2022)

President Bhandari approves army mobilization for local polls (nlt 13/04/2022)

Women’s Participation in Elections in Nepal, by Shreeju Niroula (rep 12/04/2022), Let Women Lead Local Levels, by Namrata Sharma (rn 13/04/2022), Women in politics : One can have all the rules and yet find a million ways to sidestep them (kp 14/04/2022)

Rising campaign spending : Failure to ensure financial transparency will facilitate corruption and cronyism (kp 12/04/2022)

Election year is here. Poll expenses major cause for concern : Questions asked: Who funds politicians and why do they do that? Observers say costly polls are a source of corruption, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/04/2022)

Congress leader Shashank Koirala asked to furnish clarification over his Rs60 million remark : The amount spent is much higher than the ceiling of Rs2.5 million set for an individual candidate (kp 11/04/2022), Shashank gets EC show cause notice (ht 12/04/2022)

Date set but why some are doubting timely polls : Several factors at play including difficulty in forming alliances and petitions at court, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 10/04/2022)

Election Commission tweaks provision for level representatives to contest polls : People's representatives registering candidacy in the local-level elections should sign a document mentioning not availing government facilities (nlt 09/04/2022)

Financially hard for women to contest elections (kh 09/04/2022), Keep up our local level representation, women leaders urge Deuba, poll body : Parties fighting elections in an alliance are likely not to field women candidates for both top local government positions, taking advantage of a flaw in the law, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/04/2022), Election Commission revokes provision to compulsorily field woman candidate : The commission rescinded the decision after the political parties protested against the provision stating that it is against existing laws (nlt 12/04/2022), Election Commission backtracks on its decision related to women’s representation at local level : Now political parties fielding just one candidate for one of the two top local government positions are not compelled to nominate women, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 13/04/2022) [Since Nepal's macho politicians consider the land to be the exclusive property of men, especially those from Bahun castes, men are likely to be the overwhelming majority of candidates in such cases.]

Election code of conduct 2022: dos and dont’s (kh 09/04/2022)

Election expenditure : Questions Of Accountability, by Keshab Poudel (sp 08/04/2022)

Time to cleanse local governments : If the parties field incompetent and corrupt candidates, voters should reject them, by Dinesh Pant (kp 08/04/2022)

EC ready to make clear code of conduct (kh 08/04/2022), Election code of conduct to come into force from today midnight (kh 08/04/2022)

Election code of conduct to come into force from Friday (kh 07/04/2022), UML objects to provisions in election code of conduct (nlt 07/04/2022)

Voting process is going to be complex as parties go for electoral alliance : Voters of parties in the alliance will have a tough time finding the poll symbols and remembering which party has fielded candidates for which positions, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/04/2022)

Voting rights for Nepalis abroad: Full of promises, lack of action : Political parties have promised suffrage to Nepali citizens living abroad time and again but have not taken definite measures to actually allow them to vote, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt 06/04/2022)

Election security: Concerns arise from parties fighting polls : Not much threat from so called armed outfits and those boycotting the vote. Observers and experts say it would be better if parties fix their rifts and conflict, by Anil Giri (kp 06/04/2022)

Poll preparation, monitoring panel formed (ht 06/04/2022) [There must be poll monitoring independent from government and political parties!]

Election Commission issues directives to compulsorily field woman candidate (nlt 05/04/2022)

EC holding meeting with leaders of political parties today : To seek written commitment on election code of conduct (kh 05/4/2022), Leaders engage in heated argument in meeting called by EC to discuss local polls (rep 05/04/2022) [The party leaders prove once again that they are unwilling to abide by democratic principles and prefer unlawful behaviour!], Election code of conduct in question after the UML refuses to sign it : Experts fault Election Commission for failing to win the confidence of all parties registered to contest the polls, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 06/04/2022)

UN, development partners and AIN concerned over possible coercion, force or intimidation directed at their staff or partners in upcoming polls : "We are particularly concerned when our staff and projects face challenges, such as pressure from any stakeholder to provide donations or in-kind assistance," reads the joint statement (nlt 05/04/2022)

Ballot papers for 747 local levels to be printed by May first week (kp 04/04/2022)

Campaign launched to field independent candidates in local level election (kh 01/04/2022)

Youths head for India in droves indifferent to elections : Say earning livelihoods and feeding their families are more important to them, by Thakur Singh Tharu and Bhawani Bhatta (kp 01/04/2022) [It is the criminal failure of the previous Oli government, but of course also of the present Deuba government, to have simply and purposefully disregarded the SC's directive on the participation of migrant workers in the elections! It has already been established for five years that 2022 is an election year!]

Printing of ballot papers for local polls begins (kh 01/04/2022)

Kathmandu is most populous district. But it comes third in voter numbers : Officials, experts see national Capital hosting more migrants than permanent dwellers and lack of interest among youths in politics as possible reasons for lower voter count, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 31/03/2022)

EC to impose election code of conduct from April 8 (kh 31/03/2022), Tackling Electoral Offences, by Mukti Rijal (rn 31/03/2022)

Election staff must arrive at polling stations three days in advance (rep 31/03/2022) [And what about the opportunity for these staff members to vote themselves? This is a fundamental right of all Nepalese, and the government must ensure that this right can be exercised.]

‘Out of compulsion’: Ruling coalition’s electoral alliance easier said than done : Nepali Congress needs it, but the Maoists need it more. Leaders and analysts say there are complications galore, by Anil Giri (kp 31/03/2022), Ruling coalition agrees to forge electoral alliance in local polls (kh 31/03/2022)

EC tightens noose on contractors aspiring to become local level poll candidates (kh 30/03/2022), Candidate In Local Polls Should Make 19-Point Self-Declaration: EC (rn 30/03/2022)

JEMC to print ballot papers under cover of 150 security personnel (kh 29/03/2022), Army To Safeguard Ballot Paper Printing Station, by Purushottam Khatri (rn 29/03/2022)

17.73 million plus voters to take part in local level polls (kh 28/03/2022)

EC decides to provide 73 small parties their own election symbols (kh 28/03/2022), EC allows fringe parties to contest polls with respective election symbols (rep 29/03/2022)

EC calls for registration for election observation (rep 27/03/2022)

Poll commission plans video tracking of ballot counting : Election officials says local governments should purchase and install the system, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 24/03/2022), High-tech surveillance : Political leaders cannot be trusted to allow the elections to happen freely and fairly (kp 25/03/2022)

EC To Print 20 Million Ballot Papers For Local Level Election (rn 24/03/2022)

Local Polls Bolster Democracy, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn 23/03/2022)

Political parties reiterate commitment to give voting rights to Nepalis abroad (rep 21/03/2022) [This statement by the political parties is simply a lie. The SC's prescription has been there for years. Neither the Oli nor the Deuba government, nor the parties involved in them, have done anything to implement it. The right to vote belongs to all Nepali citizens, including the helpers and security personnel deployed on election day, including the many people who are denied citizenship papers by the state for gender-discriminatory reasons!], No voting rights for Nepalis abroad, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 21/03/2022), Disenfranchised – millions of Nepalis have no voting rights : Despite the outsized impact that migrant workers have on Nepal, they are still unable to vote in elections as Nepal has no provisions for absentee voting, by Marissa Taylor (rec 21/03/2022), Voting rights : If 115 countries can realise out-of-country voting, there is no reason why Nepal cannot do so (ht 22/03/2022)

EC to not allow int’l organizations to observe local level elections (kh 20/03/2022), PM Deuba says govt committed to holding free, fair elections (kh 20/03/2022) [This must be confirmed by independent observers. The advance exclusion of international observers is questionable!]

UML Chair Oli slams EC for giving two days to register candidates in local level election (kh 20/03/2022)

Election Code of Conduct: Resignation mandatory prior to becoming candidate (kh 18/03/2022) [This rule is nonsense, anti-democratic and a violation of Article 215 of the Constitution, which guarantees a term of five years and does not declare that this term must be shortened if incumbent representatives wish to run again!], EC's 'unjust' election code kicks up a row : Provision requiring local reps to quit to contest polls condemned, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 20/03/2022), Writ filed at SC against provision of level representatives to resign for contesting polls (nlt 21/03/2022), Election Commission defends rule requiring local officials to resign before seeking re-election : Officials say rule ensures level playing field for all candidates by preventing possible misuse of state resources, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 22/03/2022) [But that does not justify a constitutional violation. The harshest possible punishment of the incumbents running again in case of misconduct without ifs and buts could be an option.], Supreme Court stays rule requiring resignation by local officials seeking re-election : Clause 36 of the Election Code of Conduct says elected officials seeking re-election must resign before filing their nomination for the upcoming local elections (kp22/03/2022)

EC to register candidates for local level election on April 24 and 25 (kh 18/03/2022)

Residents Of Limi Village, Humla, Select Their Ward Chair, Members Before Election, by Rajan Raut (rn 18/03/2022)

Local elections 2022 likely to beat spending records : Finance Ministry allocates more than 14.5 billion for May 13 election excluding army expenses, by Raghab Sharma (kh 16/03/2022), Poll expenditure cap 'unrealistic', by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 16/03/2022), Finance Ministry approves Rs 14.45 billion for local polls (nlt 16/03/2022)

As Election Nears, Trend Of Switching Parties Rises In Madhes, by Shiva Shankar Mishra (rn 16/03/2022)

EC approves guidelines and procedures for local polls (nlt 15/03/2022)

Fringe parties threaten to boycott polls (ht 15/03/2022), Just demand : Inability of the fringe parties to solicit votes under one election symbol will only add to the campaign cost (ht 16/03/2022), Election Commission working to resolve election symbol issue: CEC Thapaliya (kh 16/03/2022)

Local level elections: 4,000 polling centers being added (kh 15/03/2022)

Local Level Election : Issues of Political Representation, by Rajendra Bahadur Singh (rep 14/03/2022)

Women serving as deputies at local units aspire to take up executive roles : As local elections near, women representatives, however, doubt the male-dominated parties where patriarchy is deep-rooted will make way for them, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/03/2022)

Fringe parties demand level playing field : As local elections draw close, candidates not getting uniform symbols puts them at a disadvantage, politicians say, by Binod Ghimire (kp 13/03/2022)

EC sets ceiling of expenditures for candidates during polls : Mayor of Metropolis can spend up to Rs 750,000 (kh 12/03/2022), EC puts cap on poll expenditure (ht 12/03/2022)

Strengthening female representation : Women’s underrepresentation in leadership positions reflects a combination of the design of the quota system and party nomination behaviour, by Rohini Pande, Michael Callen, Binod Paudel and Satish Wasti (kp 11/03/2022)

Not much has been done to address problem of invalid votes : Local level polls are just two months away, but the Election Commission has yet to start voter education, which can hugely reduce the number of votes that go void, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/03/2022)

EC registers 79 political parties for local election : Refuses to register Rishi Kattel’s party citing documents (kh 11/03/2022)

Finance Ministry nods to hiring 100,000 temporary police personnel for local election (kh 11/03/2022)

EC holding meeting with representatives of 17 parties today : To apprise them of election preparations (kh 11/03/2022)

Voters unlikely to get right to reject candidates in local level elections ; Court’s eight-year-old ruling to give people right to cast negative votes yet to be implemented for the lack of a law, by Binod Ghimire (kp 10/03/2022) [To this day, the autocratic politicians do not want to understand that decisions of the Supreme Court are binding law that the executive and the legislature have to abide by.], Voters Must Reject The Corrupt, by Mukti Rijal (rn 10/03/2022), None of the above : Citizens should get to show they prefer a non-existent entity to a politician that betrays them (kp 11/03/2022)

Ballot papers made green to facilitate vote counting: EC (rep 10/03/2022), Opposition red over plans to print poll symbols in green
Observers say parties should focus on manifestos rather than squabble over ballot colour, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/03/2022)

Electoral alliance and Prachanda’s election mathematics, by Ishwar Dev Khanal (kh 06/03/2022)

What lies behind the upward trend of resignation among public school teachers in Nepal : Nepal is expected to vote for local level representatives in May this year, and teachers, who hold significant social and political clout in local levels, aspire for various posts. A government job, however, disallows them from contesting the elections (nlt 05/03/2022)

Heating Up : Three New Political Parties Register For Local Elections (sp 04/03/2022)

EC calls for complaints on voter-list from today (kh 04/03/2022)

EC secures Rs 8.11 billion from govt to manage local level election (kh 03/03/2022)

Reining In Poll Expenses, by Mukti Rijal (rn 03/03/2022)

Around 20 million ballot papers to be printed for local polls: EC (nlt 01/03/2022)

80 political parties apply for registrations in EC (kh 28/02/2022), 80 political parties to contest local polls (kh 01/03/2022)

109 Political Parties Registered At EC (rn 22/02/2022)

Political parties focused on local elections (ht 22/02/2022)

Election Commission asks parties to register for local level elections : In 85 days from now, the elections will be held in a single phase to choose new representatives for 753 local units (kp 18/02/2022)

What if… voters got to reject candidates?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 17/02/2022) [What do the high-handed politicians care about a ruling of the Supreme Court?], Right to reject : What we need is a mechanism for the public to express its disappointment with politicians (ae 17/02/2022) [There are probably not many countries where this is as urgently needed as in Nepal!]

Govt preparing to add 13 local units ahead of polls (nlt 17/02/2022)

SC issues order to register writ petition against local elections (nlt 17/02/2022)

Federal spirit in local elections : The parties should let their subnational organisational entities distribute election tickets, by Achyut Wagle (kp 15/02/2022)

Implement SC order to enable Nepalis abroad to vote' (ht 15/02/2022)

Teenagers turning 18 a-day before local level election date to be eligible for casting vote (kh 14/02/2022)

EC to register parties for local polls from Thursday (kh 14/02/2022), Registration of parties for local polls kicks off from today (kh 17/02/2022)

Election Commission to begin daily press briefing from today (kh 13/02/2022)

EC seeks an additional Rs 40 billion to conduct local level election: Minister Sharma (rep 11/02/2022)

Will people from Kalapani region get to exercise their franchise? There’s no voter list update. Nor does the poll body know which local units it is supposed to conduct elections in, by Prithvi man Shrestha and Anil Giri (kp 10/02/2022) [Sorry, but given the current circumstances, this question sounds ridiculous!]

Janamat Party Chair Raut warns of obstructing elections if farmers’ demands not addressed (kh 09/02/2022)

EC urges Ministry of Federal Affairs for making arrangements of necessary materials for local election (kh 08/02/2022), Home Minister and Finance Minister discuss election budget (kh 09/02/2022)

Govt decides to hold local polls on May 13 (rep 07/02/2022), Government decides to hold local level polls on May 13 : Those elected from second and third phases of polls in 2017 say they would challenge the move in the court, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 08/02/2022) [This doesn't have to be a problem. The elections can be held nationwide on one day. But those elected in 2017 will not be replaced by the newly elected until their five-year terms expire.], Some 1.6 Million New Voters Enlisted In A Year (rn 08/02/2022), Supreme Court moved against govt’s decision to hold local polls in May : Representatives elected in the second and third phases of the earlier local-level polls will not be able to serve for full five years if the polls are held in May, the petitioner has argued (nlt 09/02/2022), Supreme Court rejects petition challenging the date of local election : The petitioner, who approached the court arguing May 13 polls will deprive thousands of elected representatives of their right to five-year term, says he will appeal against the court’s refusal (kp 09/02/2022)

EC calls for application to design ballot papers (kh 05/02/2022)

Holding local level elections on May 18 may not end legal complications : Representatives elected in the second and third phases of the local level polls conducted in 2017 can move court asserting their right to serve for full five years, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 05/02/2022)

Election Commission estimates local-level elections to cost Rs 12 billion (nlt 03/02/2022)

Government, Election Commission agree to hold local polls on May 18 at one go : As Election Commission officials and the prime minister agreed on the date it will be formally announced through a cabinet decision soon (kp 01/02/2022), Government, poll authority agree to conduct local level elections on May 18 : Date yet to be officially announced, but it goes in line with the opposition demand and not to the liking of Prime Minister Deuba’s coalition partners, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 02/02/2022)

Election Commission Estimates Local Elections To Cost Rs. 12 Bln (rn 01/02/2022)

Local level elections: Law revision must or not? Depends who you ask : Ruling alliance says it will amend Acts to make them compatible with the constitution. First declare dates; if it’s by May 19, there is no need, the main opposition says, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 31/01/2022)

What constitution and election laws say about local level polls : Politicians and experts are divided over constitutional provisions and poll-related laws. Interpretations are different, by Tika R Pradhan and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 30/01/2022)

Coalition makes a turnabout, agrees to hold local level polls by mid-June : Plans are afoot to align election laws with constitutional provisions. Confusion, however, persists, by Anil Giri (kp 30/01/2022)

Lawyers demand local elections be held on time (rep 30/01/2022)

All politics is local : Local governments elected in 2017 show what the country can look like when people are put first, by Sahina Shrestha (nt 28/01/2022), Think nationally, vote locally : Local government elections cannot be held hostage just because two national parties are afraid they will lose (nt 28/01/2022)

EC invites Law Ministry for discussion on election laws (kh 28/01/2022) [As long as the constitution is not changed, the elections have to take place as mentioned in the constitution, irrespective of what subordinate laws may say!]

Why Local Polls Draw Growing Interest, by Mukti Rijal (rn 27/01/2022)

Unified Socialist candidate Garima Shah gets elected from Sudurpaschim Province (kh 26/01/2022), All Candidates Of Ruling Coalition Elected To NA From Sudurpaschim, Lumbini Provinces (rn 26/01/2022), Ruling alliance secures victory in 18 of 19 seats in National Assembly poll (With list of elected candidates) (rep 27/01/2022), Ruling parties win 18 out of 19 seats in National Assembly elections (nlt 27/01/2022), UML the main sufferer yet a winner in National Assembly elections : The main opposition continues to be the largest party in the upper house despite losing seven seats. The ruling alliance wins in all provinces except Province 1, by Binod Ghimire (kp 27/01/2022)

National Assembly Election: Counting underway : Results to be out today itself (kh 26/01/2022)

Local level elections will be held by mid-April 2023: Madhav Nepal (kh 25/01/2022)) [According to Article 225 of the Constitution, local elections must be held five years after the last elections, and at the latest six months later. This is binding. What is written in subordinate laws may not be constitutional and then as irrelevant as the arguments of a handful of male Tagadharis at the head of the government and political parties. Nepal is not their property!], Plan to amend law to delay local polls faces criticism : Parties should not create instability by misinterpreting constitutional provisions, leaders and experts say, by Anil Giri (kp 25/01/2022), EC urges government to fix local election date at the earliest (kh)

EC all set to hold NA polls; voting from 9 am Wednesday (kh 25/01/2022)

Silent period for National Assembly election begins (kh 24/01/2022)

EC directs RPP to remove ‘monarchy’ and ‘Hindu state’ from its statute (kh 23/01/2022), RPP calls office bearers’ meeting as EC asks to remove Hindu state, monarchy from party statute (kh 23/01/2022), RPP to seek political and legal redressal against EC’s call to remove Hindu state, monarchy from party statute (kh 23/01/2022), EC warns of action if RPP does not amend statute, party logo (rep 23/01/2022)

It is govt’s responsibility to shape local level by holding polls: EC (rep 23/01/2022)

'Simultaneous elections not feasible', by Ram Kumar kamat (ht)

What if the local elections are not held on time? As the government is dithering over when to hold the local elections, experts warn that deferring local polls can have consequences on federalism and can also invite constitutional crisis, by Nishan Khatiwada (nlt 23/01/2022)

Postponing local elections would be unconstitutional and undemocratic: Thapa (kh 20/01/2022) [The constitution allows for a slight postponement of local elections. Whether such a postponement makes sense is another question. Moreover, the constitution overrules the Local Election Act. The latter does not seem to conform to the rules of the Constitution!], Have No Dilemma On Local Polls, by Mukti Rijal (rn 20/01/2022)

Ruling alliance agrees to hold local polls in April (nlt 18/01/2022)

NC Election Committee dismisses complaint against Binod Chaudhary (kh 18/01/2022)

Division over local level poll dates as two ruling parties press for delays : CPN-UML for Election Commission-proposed dates while the Congress wants fresh discussion with political forces, by Binod Ghimire (kp 15/1/2022), Deuba in poll dilemma— whether to listen to his party or alliance partners : At least two parties in his coalition want three tiers of elections in one go. Congress thinks otherwise, by Anil Giri (kp 17/01/2022)

Political Parties Urge To Hold Local Elections On Time (rn 14/01/2022)

Time to tweak our electoral system, by Birendra Prasad Mishra (ae 13/01/2022)

Election Commission convenes all-party meeting Friday kh 12/01/2022)

National Assembly election code of conduct effective from today (kh 10/01/2022)

EC provides election symbols to parties vying in NA elections : Final list of candidates published (kh 09/01/2022)

The History Of Polls In Nepal, by Aashish Mishra (rn 08/01/2022)

Clean up elections to clean up politics : In a democracy, elections force accountability but the voting process itself needs to be overhauled, by Shristi Karki (nt 07/01/2022)

Volatile Mix of Politics and Religion : Local elections this year will be a kind of referendum on federalism and secularism (nt 07/01/2022)

Election Commission registers Good Governance Party, provides certificate of registration (kh 06/01/2022)

Registration of voters’ name list at Election Commission (rep 05/01/2022)

43 candidates from 12 parties register candidacies for NA election (with list) (kh 04/01/2022), NA election: Candidates allowed to spend up to Rs 350,000 (kh 05/01/2022), All you need to know about National Assembly elections : 19 members will be elected on January 26 to replace those who are retiring on March 4 (kp 05/01/2022)

EC dismisses Milan Pandey's complaint (rep 04/01/2022)

Electoral Integrity: A Crucial Aspect of Sustaining Democracy, by Rajaram Bartaula (rep 03/01/2022)

Preparations for local polls begin amid concerns from some ruling parties : CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (Unified Socialist) want all three elections to be held in a single phase in November, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/01/2022) [Article 225 of the Constitution reads simply: "The term of office of a village assembly and a municipal assembly shall be five years from the date of election. A new village and municipal assembly shall be elected not later than six months after the expiry of such term." Where does it say that an additional law is needed? It would definitely be more cost effective to hold all elections on a single day. But it would be much more important to create the conditions for all eligible Nepali citizens to vote, including migrant workers, as the Supreme Court ruled long ago!]

Election process for National Assembly polls begins from today (kh 01/01/2022), EC to give election symbol to parties for NA elections on Jan 4 (kh 02/01/2022)

Election body’s removal of ‘unconstitutional’ terms from Maoist statute triggers debate : Election Commission says some phrases including ‘communism’ in the party charter contradict the constitution, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/12/2021) [And what about parties that oppose the fundamentals of the constitution like RPP and Bibeksheel Sajha Party when they reject the achievements of the past decades and want to return to authoritarian Hindu monarchy? This is clearly against the interests of the multi-ethnic and multi-religious society of Nepal! The secular Republic of Nepal is ailing only because of the incompetent, corrupt, disinterested political elite that remains deeply rooted in Hindu thinking!]

12 parties to take part in National Assembly elections (kh 26/12/2021), Discussion Held On Election Security Strategy (rn 27/12/2021)

EC proposes to hold local levels election on April 27 (kh 24/12/2021)

Election Commission holding local level election on May 3 (kh 22/12/2021), When should the local elections be held? Election Commission says by May next year. Political parties don’t seem to be prepared, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/12/2021), Govt preparing to hold local level polls on May 3: CEC Thapaliya (rep 23/12/2021)

Forgotten commitment by political parties : The law says that there should be at least one-third women at party committees at all levels, by Ila Sharma (kp 17/12/2021) [The machos at the top of the parties will never change without drastic punishments. Exclusion of the parties concerned at the next elections would be a guaranteed effective remedy! CPN-UML and NC would definitely be candidates!]

NA elections: EC calls on political parties for registration (kh 16/12/2021)

Deceased not to be included in electoral roll (kh 11/12/2021

NA Election: Candidacy Nomination On Jan 4, Election On Jan 25 (rn 07/12/2021)

Govt not ready for out-of-country voting : EC says existing laws need to be amended to enable Nepalis living abroad to vote, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 05/12/2021) [The government has had more than four years to fulfil the SC's order in this regard!]

Voter-list being collected at 637 local level centers from today (kh 03/12/2021)

Voter IDs to be registered in all 77 districts (rep 01/12/2021)

Upcoming upper house polls could leave a weakened UML even weaker : A loss may be solely the UML’s but holds the potential for affecting national understanding by deepening the divide, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 25/11/2021)

EC warns NC, UML against using govt staff (ht 24/11/2021), EC's warning : Any tendency to rebuff the EC's warning by the two parties will only have other political forces ritually following their footsteps (ht 25/11/2021)

Voters name list to be collected at local level centers (kp 22/11/2021)

Govt to hold National Assembly elections by Jan 22 (kh 10/11/2021), National Assembly member election to be held on January 26 (rep 20/11/2021)

Election Commission legitimizes Chair Mishra-led Bibeksheel Sajha Party : The election body approves the party's recent amendment to statute (kh 04/11/2021)

Possibility of early elections diminishing : The constitution has no provision for vote before schedule and most parties in the ruling alliance are still unprepared, by Anil Giri (kp 31/10/2021)

How and when will the three-tier elections be held?, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 28/10/2021)

20 Seats of 20 National Assembly lawmakers falling vacant (rep 26/10/2021), PM, EC Officials Discuss NA, Local Elections (rn 26/10/2021)

Election Commission gears up for local elections (kh 26/10/2021) [One should not expect too much. None of Nepal's parties and political leaders feel bound by the constitution and laws!]

Early elections are in talks, but there are complications galore : Besides legal hurdles, coalition partners also have some issues, while Deuba may face a hard time justifying it, by Anil Giri (kp 20/10/2021)

Ruling coalition mulls holding three-tire elections simultaneously (kh 18/10/2021)

Poll prospects of new parties depend on how alliances evolve : Formation of CPN (Unified Socialist) and Loktantrik Samajbadi could lead to vote splitting, and for them to gain, they will have to rely on others, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 30/08/2021)

Right to reject: To vote or not to vote?, by Anoushka Pant (ht 30/08/2021)

EC asks people’s representatives to decide their party by September 7 (kh 29/08/2021)

EC summons leaders of CPN-Unified (Socialist) and DSP for identification today (kh 25/08/2021), CPN-Unified (Socialist) leaders at EC for verification (kh 25/08/2021), DSP leaders reach Election Commission for verification (kh 25/08/2021)

EC allocates time for Madhav Nepal’s party verification : Calls leaders to show before Commission from 11.30 am to 2 pm on Wednesday (kh 24/08/2021)

EC to ignore Oli faction's claim, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 23/08/2021)

EC calls Madhav Nepal and Mahanta Thakur’s parties for verification (kh 20/08/2021)

Election Commission updates central executive committee of Samajbadi Party : In the new body, party chair Mahantha Thakur and his 15 supporters have not been included, pushing the party towards a split, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 10/08/2021)

EC cancels registration of 41 political parties (kh 03/08/2021)

EC cancels election schedule for HoR (kh 15/07/2021)

EC endorses mid-term polls date; unveiling 67-pt election schedule today (kh 05/07/2021), Election Commission unveils calendar of events for November ‘mid-term polls’ (rep 05/07/2021) [Even before the SC decides on the unconstitutionality of the HoR dissolution?]

Election body preparing for polls despite uncertainty : The Election Commission plans to issue a tender notice next week for the procurement of election materials, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 03/07/2021) [Oli is now to blame for this situation for the second time. He should be held personally responsible for the completely unnecessary expenses if the SC declares his actions unconstitutional this time as well, which is to be assumed! It would have been much more important to use the time to finally prepare a postal voting option so that migrant workers and other expatriate Nepalis, election workers and security personnel could also vote. Denying them the right to vote is unconstitutional!

Not the right time to conduct polls : Faulty comparisons, by Mahendra P Joshi (ht 02/07/2021)

Abide by the code : The office-bearers must live up to the people's expectations and take impartial and fair actions as per the legal provisions (ht 01/07/2021)

Maoist Center reaches EC demanding dismissal of its 18 leaders defecting to UML (kh 18/06/2021)

JSP Yadav faction re-approaches EC to claim legitimacy within party (kh 18/06/2021)

Elections will be held during COVID-19 pandemic, claims PM Oli (kh 17/06/2021) [???]

EC’s decision partial and prejudiced, says JSP Chair Yadav (kh 15/06/2021), Maoist Spokesperson Shrestha accuses EC of being govt’s hand puppet (kh 15/06/2021)

Election Commission refuses validating actions taken by JSP rival factions (kh 13/06/2021)

Election Commission’s selective way of decisions comes into question : Poll body, which was reluctant to act promptly on the now defunct Nepal Communist Party dispute and on UML, is quick to decide on the issues of Janata Samajbadi Party, by Binod Ghimire and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 04/06/2021)

With 4,178 new cases, Nepal's Covid-19 tally reaches 561,302 : The Health Ministry reports 114 new deaths including figures from the past few days based on statistics from the Nepal Army (kp 31/05/2021)

Vote casting in NA by-polls of Lumbini Pradesh kicks off : Election results to be published today itself (kh 31/05/2021), Lumbini NA by-election: 276 voters cast votes as of 12 noon (kh 31/05/2021), Drigha Narayan Pandey elected to NA from Lumbini Province (kh 31/05/2021)

Nepal Public Health Association demands to annul mid-term elections (kh 26/05/2021)

EC advices PM to conduct election in a single phase (kh 23/05/2021)

CPN (Unified) Party registered at EC : Party’s leader Jiwan Rai is close to Madhav Nepal; election symbol pen (kh 23/05/2021) [This indicates a formal split of the CPN-UML in the making!]

Khim Lal Devkota defeats Ram Bahadur Thapa in National Assembly election : Devkota, an independent candidate backed by Nepal-Khanal faction of the UML, had the support of Congress and Maoist Centre. Thapa was fielded by the UML (kp 20/05/2021) [Both Oli and Thapa really deserve this!]

EC holding by-elections in Bagmati tomorrow, in Lumbini on May 31 (kh 19/05/2021)

RPP issues whip to vote for Home Minister Thapa (kh 19/05/2021) [The monarchists and supporters of the Hindu state support the election of a former Maoist! Someone must have radically changed his mind, and it is not the RPP!], PM Oli violates election code of conduct, EC warns of action (rep 19/05/2021), PM Oli urges to cast votes for Thapa in NA by-elections (kh 19/05/2021)

Badal and Devkota file candidacies for NA by-election (kh 07/05/2021)

EC prepares financial procedure for NA seat by-election (kh 27/04/2021)

Election Commission earns disrepute over communist party legitimacy indecision : The commission has time and again failed to resist influence despite being a constitutional body, observers say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/04/2021)

Purse Plays Havoc In The Polls, by Mukti Rijal (rn 15/04/2021)

Election in crisis : Why we need to talk about, by Apurva Singh (ht 08/04/2021)

Nepal’s Updated Voters Stand At 16,243,110 (rn 18/03/2021)

Poll commission to resume voter registration this week : Following the Covid-19 lockdown and the government announcement to conduct snap elections, enrolment had been halted for a long time, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/03/2021)

Upholding SC verdict, Election Commission scraps Oli-Dahal’s NCP, revives erstwhile CPN (UML) and NCP (Maoist Center) (rep 09/03/2021), EC asks UML and Maoist Center to come up with new name and election symbol if they opt for fresh merger (rep 09/03/2021), EC scraps Oli-Dahal led NCP (kh 09/03/2021), Poll body’s rush to enforce court decision raises questions about its credibility : That the commission had shown no urgency to resolve the NCP dispute leaves room for suspicion, former officials argue, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 10/03/2021)

Supreme Court awards Nepal Communist Party to Rishiram Kattel : The decision makes the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) registered under Oli and Dahal in May 2018 illegitimate (kp 07/03/2021), SC recognizes Rishi Kattel’s party authentic NCP : Annuls Prachanda-Oli’s NCP (kh 07/03/2021) [This means that the two divided factions of the ruling party must immediately look for a new names. Both use of the name NCP is illegitimate! The question remains why the SC took so long to make this important decision. The EC should never have recognised Oli and Dahal's party as NCP under existing law!]

Poll commission to discuss legitimacy claims of Dahal-Nepal faction next week : The Election Commission’s indecision has drawn widespread criticism, including from former commissioners, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 06/03/2021), Supreme Court final verdict on NCP’s name row on Sunday (kh 06/03/2021), EC holding meeting to sort out NCP’s authenticy row today (kh 07/03/2021)

House restored but poll body still has to settle ruling party dispute : Experts say the Supreme Court verdict may have taken some pressure off Election Commission but it cannot sit on the case forever, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 26/02/2021)

EC undecided which NCP faction legitimate (ht 23/02/2021)

Election commission to set up 21,000 polling booths : Preparations for elections moving forward smoothly, officials say even as settlement of the Nepal Communist Party dispute appears far off (kp 21/02/2021)

Wisdom of the crowds : The only definite way of gauging the will of the people is through an election, by Sambridh Ghimire (kp 21/02/2021) [There may have to be early elections in the near future, but not now. At the moment, the only question is whether Oli was allowed to dissolve parliament in order to prolong his personal power or whether he had to abide by the internationally customary democratic rules of the game: resignation or a vote of confidence in parliament. Only then, if no new government can be formed, may there be new elections!]

Poll body continues election preparations while ignoring the dispute in Nepal Communist Party : After it said 30-day deadline for claiming legitimacy had passed, Dahal-Nepal faction submitted another set of papers which the poll body is studying, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 20/02/2021)

Government seeks logistical support from India, China even as poll uncertainty continues : Poll body has yet to resolve dispute in Nepal Communist Party, a must for holding elections, but it has expedited other works, by Anil Giri (kp 17/02/2021)

Poll body steps up preparations, but indecision on Nepal Communist Party legitimacy continues : Amid concerns over spring elections, Dahal-Nepal faction says preparations lack meaning without resolving party row, by Binod Ghimire (kp 15/02/2021)

Oli’s large-scale secretary transfers in lead-up to elections come into question : More transfers of bureaucrats as well as of police officers are on the cards, officials say. Past experience shows that officials have a role in influencing elections, by Anil Giri (kp 14/02/2021)

Oli asking poll body not to get into any party disputes raises concerns : As polls are not possible until the Nepal Communist Party issue is resolved, analysts wonder if the prime minister has a different game plan to drive his opponents into a corner, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 10/02/2021)

Govt decides to hold midterm elections in 40 districts in first phase and in 37 districts in second phase (rep 09/02/2021)

PM Oli reaches Election Commission to take stock of preparations for elections and seek his faction's official recognition as legitimate NCP (rep 09/02/2021)

Dahal-Nepal faction reaches Election Commission seeking official recognition as legitimate NCP (rep 02/02/2021), Dahal-Nepal faction stakes claim to Nepal Communist Party at poll body : Experts say it is up to the Election Commission to decide how to take the issue forward, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 03/02/2021)

Oli, despite leading caretaker Cabinet, on spree to inaugurate and award projects : Inaugurating them is an attempt to influence elections which the poll body should look into and awarding them risks future governments not owning them, observers say, by Anil Giri (kp 31/01/2021) [The minimum punishment for a coup plotter should be that he should never again be allowed to participate in elections or hold public office!]

Litmus Test Of Constitutional Bodies, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 31/01/2021)

900,000 names added to voters’ list ahead of polls (kp 31/01/2021)

It’s time for parties to register for polls but Oli-Dahal’s legitimacy row remains : Election Commission this week decided not to give legitimacy to either faction of Nepal Communist Party. But with elections nearing, it will have to make a choice, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 30/01/2021) [Wouldn't it be time for an interim order by the Supreme Court to halt election preparations pending a final decision on the constitutionality of the dissolution of parliament? Nepal is facing irreparable damage!]

Poll body refuses to give legitimacy to either faction of Nepal Communist Party : Factions led by Oli, and Dahal and Nepal have failed to follow procedures, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/01/2021), Election Commission invites both Oli and Dahal factions to discuss upcoming midterm polls (rep 28/01/2021)

Election Commission to notify donors about potential areas of cooperation to hold elections : Officials to allocate budget for elections from internal resources while keeping door open for assistance in kind, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/01/2021) [Regular elections should be supported by donor countries in the interest of preserving democratic processes, but not completely superfluous early elections that serve only the power interests of a PM who has failed on all fronts!]

More than 50 different items are needed for polls, Election Commission says as preparations begin Even if Supreme Court decides Oli’s dissolution was constitutional, dispute in Nepal Communist Party has to be settled before polls are possible, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/01/2021) [And what about the voting rights of expatriate Nepalis, especially the millions of migrant workers? The Supreme Court's ruling in this regard is binding law, but the incompetent Oli government has done nothing so far!!]

CEC Thapaliya stresses need to update voters’ list before polls (ht 14/01/2021)

Nepal Communist Party has been cleaved in two, but a formal—legal—split seems to be heading to stalemate : The Election Commission says neither the Oli faction nor the Dahal-Nepal camp has presented the necessary paperwork for it to be recognised as the legitimate party. And neither seems to want to take the blame for split, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 13/01/2021)

EC amends rules to recognise NCP split : Will decide which faction of the party should use original party’s name, flag, and election symbol during polls (ht 06/01/2021)

EC writes to PM Oli, Dahal factions on legitimacy claims (ht 04/01/2021)

Large number of people could be disenfranchised if polls are held as planned : The government has announced midterm elections on April 30 and May 10 but experts say there isn’t enough time for new voters to get registered, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 02/01/2020)

Voters Name List Being Updated From January 28 (rn 01/01/2020)

EC starts updating voters’ list (ht 28/12/2020), Election Commission starts preparing for polls : The constitutional body is assessing the budget, human resources and materials required and taking stock of its logistics, officials say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 29/12/2020), Poll Preparations : As per the apex court order, the govt must enact a law allowing voting right of the migrant workers from their host countries (ht 29/12/2020) [!!!!]

Election Commission to settle dispute over legitimacy of Nepal Communisty Party : After the Dahal-Nepal faction submitted the necessary documents claiming legitimacy, the commission will now ask the Oli faction for its response to the claim, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 26/12/2020)

Nepalis abroad will get to vote: Minister Bhusal (rep 06/09/2020)

Review Election System For Stability, by Mukti Rijal (rn 07/05/2020)

Riddles of electoral democracy: Is there any rational to participate in voting? Why are we voting? For whom are we voting? Isn’t it time to look for an improved system of securing representation even when that happens through voting?, by Pranab Kharel and Gaurab KC (rep 05/05/2020)

NC ward chair’s post declared void after party change (kh 04/05/2020)

EC submits NA election results to president (ht 30/01/2020)

NCP bags 16 out of 18 NA seats up for grabs (ht 24/01/2020) [Once again extremely inclusive: 50 % are Bahuns, 5 of them male; not a single Janajati besides one Shrestha; only one Madheshi; no Dalit woman!], NCP sweeps upper house elections: Nepali Congress loses seven seats (rep 24/01/2020)

Preparations for NA polls in full swing (ht 19/01/2020)

EC completes preparations for upper house election (rep 17/01/2020)

Nominations filed for NA elections slated for Jan 23 (ht 06/01/2020)

NC, RJP-N finalise candidates for National Assembly elections (ht 05/011/2020)

NCP leadership takes unilateral decision as it picks National Assembly candidates: The party leadership failed to live up to its recent commitment to following due process, accuse leaders, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 04/01/2019) [Long live the authoritarian male political leaders and their anti-democratic behaviour!], NCP finalises NA election candidates (ht 04/01/2020) [Wow, really inclusive: Far more than half of them are Bahuns!]

Election Commission publishes NA elections schedule (ht 19/12/2019)

NCP, RJP-N to support each other in NA polls (ht 19/12/2019)

EC to consult political parties for NA election (ht 07/12/2019), EC starts preparation for NA elections (rep 08/12/2019), EC preparing for NA elections (ht 10/12/2019), Party registration for upper house member election begins (rep 14/12/2019)

Electoral reforms: To ensure free, fair polls, by Krishna Man Pradhan (ht 06/12/2019)

By-elections’ Messages To Political Parties, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 05/12/2019)

Lessons from Sri Lanka: Provision of postal vote is something Nepal can immediately learn from Sri Lanka. In Nepal, thousands of security personnel and election staff cannot vote during the elections, by Krishna M. Pradhan (rep 04/12/2019)

NC registers historic victory in Dharan (ht 03/12/2019), Dharan election, a cause for concern for ruling NCP (ht 03/12/2019), Congress candidate wins in Dharan after decades, by Rohit Rai (rep 03/2/2019)

Curbing corruption: Faulty election system of First Past the Post is one of the main reasons responsible for motivating political corruption, by Kul Ratna Bhurtel (rep 02/12/2019)

NC candidate Bhandel wins SA by-poll from Bhaktapur (ht 02/12/2019), Late minister Adhikari’s wife wins landslide victory (ht 02/12/2019), Back in politics with a landslide:
Bidya Bhattarai’s election as member of parliamente, by Sandesh Shrestha (rep 03/12/2019)

19 candidates fail to garner even a single vote (ht 02/12/2019)

New parties face drubbing in by-elections as Nepalis continue to vote along party lines: “They failed to convince the voters as to what they would bring to the table if they were given a chance”, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 02/12/2019), In by-election results, ruling party's popularity declines but opposition is unable to capitalise: Contesting polls for the first time as a unified party, the Nepal Communist Party should’ve won even more seats, but it failed to perform as expected, analysts say, by Anil Giri (kp 02/12/2019), Election results show no major change in political equation (rep 02/12/2019)

65.43 per cent votes cast in by-elections (ht 01/12/2019)

Voters’ turnout low compared to last elections (ht 01/12/2019), 16.4pc ballots cast at Thawang of Rolpa district (ht 01/12/2019)

Explosions mar by-polls in places (ht 01/12/2019)

337 candidates contesting for 52 seats (ht 30/11/2019)

By-elections unlikely to affect national politics, analysts say: Given the organisational structure of the traditional parties, observers say there is little chance for newcomers to enter the system, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 29/11/2019)

IED detonated outside ruling party candidate’s office in Mahottari: The explosion has caused minor damages to the building while there were no human casualties, by Santosh Singh (kp 29/11/2019)

Candidates of major parties are canvassing in swing areas for Dharan by-poll: The Nepal Communist Party (NCP) and the Nepali Congress (NC) have intensified their poll activities targeting the swing voters of the landless squatters, by Pradeep Menyangbo (kp 27/11/2019)

There is a blatant disregard for the Election Code of Conduct: Candidates running for office—be it at the local, provincial or federal level—have the responsibility to be true to their words and lead by example (kp 27/11/2019)

Election fervor grips Kaski-2, by Santosh Pokharel (rep 27/11/2019)

Strike nationalism out of election agenda: Dahal, by Tilakram Rimal (ht 26/11/2019)

Nine persons calling for poll boycott arrested: The arrested are cadres of the CP Gajurel-led Deshbhakta Ganatantrik Morcha (ht 26/11/2019)

Candidates in final phase of campaign (ht 26/11/2019)

Kaski-2 by-election: Criteria for building near river changed for votes, by Bharat Koirala (ht 22/11/2019), Tough fight expected between NCP and Congress (ht 23/11/2019)

Election code of conduct violation complaints filed (ht 21/11/2019)

Political parties found violating election code of conduct in Sankhuwasabha: Government vehicles are being used in election publicity campaigns, by Dipendra Shakya (kp 18/11/2019)

Nominations filed for by-election (ht 14/11/2019), 13 candidates register for post of chairman (ht 14/11/2019)

Govt told to take custody of licensed arms: All weapons to be deposited at the nearest police station (ht 13/11/2019)

Parties often prioritise women candidates to cash in on sympathy votes: The fielding of a number of candidates in the upcoming by-elections fits a tendency to award election tickets to women after the demise of their husbands, by Binod Ghimire (kp 12/11/2019), A ticket for her: The old practice of fielding wives in their husbands’ former seats continues (kp 13/11/2019)

EC publishes final list of 64 candidates (ht 11/11/2019), EC publishes final list of by-poll candidates (rep 11/11/2019), Sherman withdraws by-election candidacy (ht 11/11/2019), NCP rebel candidate fails to withdraw candidacy for by-polls, by Sangam Gharti Magar (rep 11/11/2019)

All polling stations marked sensitive in Makalu for the upcoming by-election: The by-election is going to be held for the position of chairperson in Makalu Rural Municipality, by Dipendra Shakya (kp 09/11/2019)

Election fever grips Dharan (ht 09/11/2019)

Rastriya Janata Party and Samajbadi Party eye electoral alliance for November 30 polls: The Janata Party will support the Samajbadi Party for three provincial assembly and a federal parliament seat, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 09/11/2019)

With nominations filed, election fever grips Kaski Constituency-2: NCP, Sajha and Bibeksheel have fielded woman candidates, while Nepali Congress has chosen a long-time party member, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 08/11/2019), 65 in fray for one HoR, three PA seats (ht 08/11/2019), 70 contesting 4 legislative seats (rep 08/11/2019)

Govt to mobilise army for by-election security (ht 08/11/2019)

Eyes on by-elections (rep 07/11/2019)

Parties scramble to finalise candidates: It appears that none of the major political parties have been able to finalise the list of their candidates (ht 03/11/2019), Choose able persons: Political parties should field candidates who are honest, competent and have maintained a clean image in society in the by-elections (ht 04/11/2019), Battle of narratives as parties settle for by-polls in test of Oli’s popularity (rep 05/11/2019), NC struggles to finalise candidates (ht 06/11/2019), 17 booths, 31 election centres in Panchthar (ht 06/11/2019)

Parties busy discussing whom to field for by-polls (rep 02/11/2019)

Government prepares security plan for by-polls (ht 02/11/2019)

Candidates yet to submit election expenses (ht 31/10/2019) [after 2 years!!]

By-election code: EC must thoroughly check for any criminal background of a person after he/she files nomination for a public post to be elected by the voters (ht 31/10/2019)

NCP Kaski committee picks Bidhya Bhattarai as by-election candidate: Bhattarai is the widow of Rabindra Adhikari, the minister for culture, tourism and civil aviation who died in a helicopter crash in Taplejung on February 27, by Deepak Pariyar (kp 26/10/2019)

With two weeks for nomination deadline, parties just start discussions on candidates for the by-election: One federal seat and three provincial assembly seats will be up for grabs during the November 30 polls, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 25/10/2019)

Sajha Party announces its candidate for Kaski by-election: Nepal Communist Party and Nepali Congress struggling to pick party candidate, by Deepak Pariyar (kp 24/10/2019)

52 poll officers appointed (rep 22/10/2019)

EC publishes by-elections schedule (ht 19/10/2019)

Over 20,000 new voters eligible to cast vote in by-elections (ht 17/10/2019)

Ruling Nepal Communist Party stares at tough by-election: Government’s poor show and controversies surrounding some leaders could affect performance during polls, analysts say, by Thika R. Pradhan (kp 14/10/2019)

By-elections And Expenditure, by Mukti Rijal (rn 05/09/2019)

EC urges political parties to register for upcoming by-elections (rep 03/09/2019)

NCP, NC intensify search for candidate for Kaski-2 by-elections: PM Oli urges Bamdev Gautam, a party veteran, to contest by-elections from Kaski-2 (rep 04/08/2019) [There can never be enough male Bahuns in parliament to represent their meagre 6 per cent castemates! Long live non-inclusive Bahunvad!]

Nov 30 fixed for all by-polls (rep 03/08/2019)

Debate on external voting rages on, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 23/07/2019), Ensure absentee vote: As ordered by the apex court, Parliament has to pass law allowing Nepali expats to vote in the three tiers of elections (ht 24/07/2019)

Students risking their lives for higher education, by Yogesh Rawal (rep 05/07/2019)

EC begins work on by-elections (rep 05/07/2019)

Chitwan court finds Maoist activists guilty of tearing ballot papersat local poll: Next hearing to hand down punishment, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 14/06/2019), Court convicts 2 Maoists for tearing up ballots in Chitwan, by Sabita Shrestha (rep 15/06/2019), Court yet to pronounce sentence for Bharatpur vote vandals, by Sabita Shrestha (rep 21/06/2019), Maoist activists-duo fined with Rs 100,000 each for tearing up ballot paper (rep 02/07/2019)

PHC confirms Thapaliya as CEC (ht 18/04/2019)

CEC nomination draws flak from civil society (ht 07/04/2019)

Voting for change: An integrated electoral system will not only limit electioneering costs but also make the representatives responsible to their voters, by Birendra P Mishra (kp 07/04/2019)

Elections in Nepal: Mixed system needed, by Birendra P Mishra (ht 05/04/2019)

Review electoral system for good governance, says CIAA chief (ht 03/04/2019)

Hearing of CEC candidate deferred at NC’s request (kp 01/04/2019)

Empower EC: The EC should be given the powers to set the dates for the elections so as to make the body both autonomous and powerful (ht 27/03/2019)

Election Commission without chief as CEC Yadav retires (rep 25/03/2019), Thapaliya recommended for the position of chief election commissioner, by Binod Ghimire (kp 26/03/2019)

SAC tells govt to conduct by-elections by mid-May (rep 20/12/2018)

Party name dispute: Apex court serves show cause to NCP, poll body, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 11/12/2018)

A check for change: Why do we need reform in election laws?, by Krishna Man Pradhan (kp 02/12/2018)

Elections and disability: Disabled communities in Nepal are disenfranchised before, during, and after elections, by Gianna Francesca M Catolico (rep 18/11/2018)

By-polls uncertain due to govt delay in clearing legal hurdles: 28 seats in local and provincial constituencies are vacant (rep 17/11/2018)

General elections 2017: Parties flagrantly violated code of conduct: Report (ht 17/11/2018)

Candidates yet to submit details of poll expenses (ht 02/11/2018)

EC seeks funds to study external voting, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 28/10/2018)

Poll body to make a call on parties’ name dispute: The Election Commission is likely to make a call on the matter in its meeting on Thursday, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 25/10/2018) [The ruling party does not have the right on its side just because it is the stronger party! Its recognition under the name NCP by the Election Commission in May 2018 was not understandable!], EC fails to resolve party name row: Members of both parties failed to arrive at a mutual understanding on the issue (kp 26/10/2018), Ruling communist party gets its contested name: Poll body quashes Kattel’s petition claiming the Nepal Communist Party name along with the acronyms (kp 27/10/2018) [??]

96 parties fail to furnish property details: EC (kp 24/10/2018)

Nepalis abroad set to exercise voting right: Court orders facilities for citizens to vote from foreign destinations, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 03/09/2018), Ensure voting rights for Nepalis living abroad, SC tells government, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 03/09/2018), Right to vote for Nepalis living abroad (rep 04/09/2018), Enabling Nepalis abroad to vote: ‘Government should start preparations immediately’, by Roshan S Nepal (ht 26/09/2018)

Election a costly affair: Report says most candidates spent beyond EC limit, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/07/2018), Big money: An estimated bill of Rs131 billion shows that electoral spending has increased sharply (kp 18/07/2018)

EC chief asks govt to fix dates for next elections well in advance (ht 28/06/2018)

SC tells poll body to clarify over NCP (kp 18/06/2018)

16 parties yet to submit poll expense details: Expenditure details are required to make parties accountable, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 10/06/2018), Poll expenses: The Election Commission Act and rules have given power to poll body to take legal actions against those who don’t abide by the law (ht 11/06/2018)

Parties to be told to ensure 33pc women representation (ht 09/06/2018) [This is ridiculous after the NCP has been officially recognised with only 16pc women!]

NCP violates Party Registration Act with low representation of women (rep 03/06/2018), EC decides to register NCP, ignoring law (rep 07/06/2018) [Leading parties can do what they want! Obviously, they are above law and constitution!], Move afoot to challenge poll panel’s decision to register NCP (NCP): Proportional representation of women in all organs of the state is crucial to empower women, but more worrisome is the fact that the prime minister and ruling party co-chairpersons are openly defying the legal provisions (ht 08/06/2018), The ruling Nepal Communist Party, among others, break the law to exclude women: They have three months to comply, by Shuchashree Basnyat (The Record 10/06/2018)

EC asks govt to ensure safety of commissioners (kp 24/04/2018)

Quest for identity: Nepal has only one decade of reservation policy but voices of resistance has started to be heard, mainly from dominant community, by Nishnu Think (rep 22/04/2018)

EC to start voter registration from Sunday (ht 13/04/2018)

EC spent millions in donor funds with no audit: OAG report (rep 13/04/2018), OAG report shows rampant financial irregularities in EC (ht 15/04/2018)

EC to release 44 surplus cars (kp 28/03/2018)

EC to review elections (ht 28/03/2018)

SC orders govt to ensure migrants’ right to vote, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 23/03/2018)

EU mission urges EC to maintain transparency (kp 21/03/2018), [see official eu report], Mission against Khas-Aryas’ proportional representation (kp 21/03/2018), EU-EOM report undermines successful holding of election: Government (rep 21/03/2018), Govt rejects EU report on elections: Foreign Ministry says the report not only undermines the recent polls, but also goes against the scope and norms of international election observation (kp 22/03/2018), Stop comments challenging constitution: Govt tells EU (rep 22/03/2018), Uncalled-for report: The Eu election observation mission has gone beyond its mandate to comment on political issues that have already been settled (ht 23/03/2018), EU report totally unacceptable: EC (rep 23/03/2018), Hail to the chiefs, by Om Astha Rai (nt 23/03/2018), Baburam’s U-turn, by Om Astha Rai (nt 23/03/2018), EU mission sticks to advice for EC (kp 24/03/2018), EUEOM claims it fully abided by ToR, MoU (ht 24/03/2018), European Union’s Divisive Mission, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 25/03/2018) [Criticising the EU and favouring the non-inclusive politics of Nepal's male Tagadhari politicians! The EU critics is necessary and justified as long as these politicians continue their non-inclusive practice of selecting candidates for the FPTP system!], PM Oli urges EU to correct its report on election observation (ht) [What kind of election observation shall this be? The EU shall claim that the election has been inclusive and that there have to be additional Tagadhari representatives elected though the PR system even though you and the other parties have predominantly nominated male Tagadhari candidates for the FPTP system?], PM criticises EU poll mission for its report (kp 26/03/2018), EU report smacks of rancour, says Prime Minister Oli (ht 26/03/2018), EUEOM report is an insult to Nepal's sovereignty: PM (rep 26/03/2018), Long-term returns: Govt is rightly keen to maintain state’s autonomy but must guard against majoritarian overreach (kp 16/03/2018) [Hopefully, the PM and others of the over-represented male Tagadhari leaders have time and are able to read this excellent editorial!], PCN asks EU to retract poll report (kp 26/03/2018) [??????], Lest we ignore: Provisions of positive discrimination are meant to benefit under-represented groups and its very purpose is defeated if an already dominant ethnicity is brought under its ambit, by CK Lal (rep 26/03/2018), UML, Maoists, NC slam EU mission’s poll report: Congress MPs avoid issue in House n RJP-N members say report rightly seeks changes (kp 27/03/2018), What EU wants: Nepal is a home to more than 100 ethnic communities, multiple castes and languages. Why should EU always target Khas Arya?, by Prem Singh Basnyat (rep 28/03/2018) [The basic misunderstanding is that the EU did not "direct" Nepal, as the author claims, to exclude Tagadhari castes from the PR system but simply "advised" the state to think about better inclusion of still disadvantaged sections of society in the election system! This has been part of the EU's election observation task because it has to do with the fairness of recent elections. An intervention into the internal affairs of Nepal would have been if the EU had "directed" the parties to stop their outstanding preference of male Tagadharis when nominating FPTP candidates! If the FPTP system becomes inclusive for all sections of society, there would be no reason to exclude any social group from the PR system!], Touching a raw nerve: If we want to brag about being a democracy, we should have the courage to go through this process of review by the EU EOM, by Pramod Mishra (kp 29/03/2018)

Bidari, Khatiwada, Paudyal can’t vote in prez election (ht 11/03/2018)

Nominations for prez race today; Congress CWC meet to pick presidential candidate (kp 07/03/2018)

Two parties submit PA elections expenses: NC spends Rs28.08m and Maoist Centre Rs4.90m, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 04/03/2018)

Parliament Secretariat told to fix schedule for election of speaker, NA chair (ht 01/03/2018), Prez polls process starts on Monday: EC appoints Senior Judge Til Prasad Shrestha as Election Officer (kp 02/03/2018), Election panel puts Rs400k limit for presidency runners: Election Commission to fine candidates exceeding spending limit, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 03/03/2018)

Tikapur carnage suspect surrenders: Kailali District Court remands MP-elect Chaudhary in judicial custody, by Arjun Shah (kp 27/02/2018)

Maoist leader moves SC for not getting MP spot (kp 19/02/2018)

EC starts work on presidential election (rep 16/02/2018), Ambiguity over presidential poll date: EC to announce schedule after consulting the government (kp 17/02/2018)

EC submits poll results to Prez (kp 15/02/2018)

EC to hand over election results to President today, by Prithvi Man Shestha (kp 14/02/2018)

EC submits NA election results to president (kp 12/02/2018)

UML finalises PR list: Motilal Dugar becomes MP again (kp 12/02/2018), UML sends 37 women, 4 men to parliament under PR system (rep 12/02/2018), Poll body instructs three parties to correct PR list (kp 13/02/2018)

Basnet, Paudel, Joshi named for 3 National Assembly seats (kp 11/02/2018), Prez to consult legal experts on National Assembly nominees (ht 12/02/2018), Prez okays Khatiwada, Bidari, Poudel for NA (kp 21/02/2018), Fresh NA appointments ‘unconstitutional’: Congress (kp 21/02/2018), Dignity of office: The President chose to sit on the recommendation of Deuba government until a new government under Oli took office (ht 22/02/2018), Deuba govt’s NA nominees move SC (ht 24/02/2018), Apex court stays oath ceremony of 3 NA members (kp 26/02/2018), SC halts oath-taking of 3 upper house members, by Ananta Raj Luitel (rep 26/02/2018)

EC to present poll results to Prez within Wednesday (rep 11/02/2018)

EC: Presidential election in 3rd week of March, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 05/02/2018)

SC refuses to halt NA election process (kp 03/02/2018)

10,000 ballot papers printed for NA election (ht 02/02/2018)

CMs through vote if consensus fails: UML; Party leaders stand against the Standing Committee picking CMs, ministers and Speakers from the centre (kp 31/01/2018)

Voting duplex: Single transferable voting system remains unpopular because of large constituencies, complex counting and parochial politics, by Bikal Shrestha (rep 30/01/2018)

Bhusal pulls out of race in favour of Thapa, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 30/01/2018)

All Province 2 candidates elected to NA (ht 29/01/2018)

Election symbols to be allocated to NA candidates on Monday (rep 28/01/2018), NA candidates get election symbols (kp 30/01/2018)

Make NA voters aware of voting technique, EC staffers told (ht 27/01/2018)

Complaint against UML NA candidate (ht 27/01/2018)

Poll expenditure of losing candidates in Gulmi more than that of winners, by Shiva Lal Subedi (rep 27/01/2018)

Parties ready names, mostly, for National Assembly vote (kp 24/01/2018), EC set to receive nominations for NA election (ht 24/01/2018), 83 file nominations for Upper House polls: With 17 candidates elected unopposed, 66 to contest for 43 seats, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/01/2018), 83 file papers for 56 Upper House seats: Seventeen, including 12 women, to be elected unopposed on January 29, by Arjun Poudel (ht 25/01/2018), Nominations filed for NA polls in all seven provinces: Each province will elect eight members to the National Assembly (ht 25/01/2018), Discontent rife in parties over NA lists, by Roshan S. Nepal (kp 25/01/2018), Naya Shakti, Bibeksheel to back NC pick (kp 25/01/2018), Maoist victim files candidacy for NA, by Prakash Adhikari (kp 25/01/2017), Parties’ Upper House picks dismay watchers, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 27/01/2018)

EC publishes voters’ list for NA election (kp 22/01/2018)

National Assembly election: ay to vote: Marking, not stamping (kp 21/01/2018)

EC to mobilise technical teams to facilitate NA vote counting (ht 19/01/2018)

EC declares PR winners for provincial assemblies (kp 18/01/2018), EC names winners of provincial PR seats (rep 18/01/2018), EC makes public name list of PR winners for provincial assemblies (kp 19/01/2018) [list of all elected PR MPs], Wait over as EC gives winners certificates: 172 of the 220 provincial assembly members elected under the PR category are women (kp 20/01/2018)

Trickle-down democracy: EC needs to improve voting procedures so all citizens can vote and electoral outcomes better represent them, by Sanjay Sharma (kp 17/01/2018)

EC proposes four types of ballot papers for NA poll (ht 17/01/2018), Uncertainty clouds counting method (ht 18/01/2018)

EC to discuss NA election with parties today (ht 16/01/2018)

Left alliance expects 43 seats in NA: CPN-UML likely to field 29 candidates, Maoist Centre 14, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 15/01/2018)

Office of election officer for NA polls set up in Province 6 (ht 14/01/2018)

Promotional materials used by parties during elections becoming eyesore (rep 12/01/2018)

EC makes public election calendar for NA polls (kp 11/01/2018)

10 parties register with poll body for Upper House polls (kp 10/01/2018), 21 parties registered for National Assembly vote (kp 13/01/2018)

EC staffers learning about single transferable voting system (ht 09/01/2018)

EC issues election cost details amid questions (kp 08/01/2018), CIAA probing graft charges against poll panel (ht 08/01/2018), EC confirms meeting among constitutional heads (rep 08/01/2018)

Revised list of RJP-N, RPP provincial PR poll winners incorrect: EC (ht 08/01/2018), Provincial Assembly elections: PR candidates of RJP-N to becategorised under one group, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 11/01/2018)

Election Commission Under Scrutiny?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 07/01/2018)

State representation row: EC writes to RJP-N again for revising candidate list; EC official warns party of accepting only the candidates that meet the representation criteria, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 07/01/2018)

Upper house vote on Feb 7: Displeased at the delayed date, the UML says it will take part in the National Assembly elections nonetheless (kp 06/01/2018)

EC could seek deal on declaring poll results: Election commissioners say they are under pressure from political parties and their unions to announce poll results (kp 05/01/2018), 1st Provincial Assembly meet A month away (kp 05/01/2018)

105 parties submitted audit details early: EC; EC says the recent elections caused the parties to submit their income and expenditure details in time, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 04/01/2018)

Representation from Karnali zone dismal (ht 04/01/2018)

Upper House poll slated for Feb 8: Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav suggests the date in a meeting with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in Baluwatar on Tuesday evening, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 03/01/2018), Left alliance’s pressure on EC irks Congress (kp 03/01/2018), Cumbersome Constitutional Provisions, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 03/01/2018), PR results can’t be announced before Upper House polls: EC (kp 04/01/2018)

An ex-Kamlari, a Dalit widow become state parliamentarians, by Kamal Panthi and Bharat Jarghamagar (kp 03/01/2018)

3 out of 6 parties err on women’s representation (kp 03/01/2018) [including the NC!], Six parties submit corrected list of winning PR candidates (ht 05/01/2018)

Left presses EC to publish poll results soon (kp 02/01/2018), Left alliance pressures EC to announce PR results (ht02/01/2018), 6 parties to resend proportional lists (kp 02/01/2018)

Poll costs faked as spending goes through EC roof: To cloud expenditures past limit, candidates resort to fake reports, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 01/01/2018), Poll expense details sought from parties (ht 01/01/2018)

Discontent in parties over provincial PR (rep 01/01/2018)

Date for National Assembly election to be announced by January 12: DPM Shrestha, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 31/12/2017) [???]

Dissecting election results: FPTP votes are basically driven by personality of the candidates, PR votes by party ideology, by Narayan Manandhar (rep 31/12/2017)

Making milestones: The Election Commision must be praised for holding a series of elections at short notice, despite a few controversial decisions, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 31/12/2017)

SC asks EC to furnish ballot papers of Sunsari-3 (ht 30/12/2017)

CEC Yadav's daughter-in-law elected to Province 2 assembly (rep 30/12/2017)

EC opens listing for upper house (kp 29/12/2017), CEC asks prime minister to announce NA poll date (ht 30/12/2017)

UML allots 71 PR seats to female candidates (kp 29/12/2017) [for Provincial Assemblies], NC CWEC meet to finalise provincial PR list today (ht 29/12/2017), Maoist Centre elects four male PR members for state assemblies (kp 30/12/2017), RJP-N decides PR picks for provinces (kp 30/12/2017), Parties submit lists of provincial PR candidates: Only 13 parties have made the cut for provincial PR seats (ht 30/12/2017)

UML draws EC's attention over PR seat allocation delay (rep 29/12/2017), EC in fix over PR seats for lower house (rep 29/12/2017)

NC’s Electoral Debacle, by Mukti Rijal (rn 28/12/2017)

EC finalises allocation of HoR PR seats (ht 28/12/2017)

‘Faulty’ PR candidate lists: Madhesi dalits to move court (kp 26/12/2017), Writ on Madhesi Dalits’ PR seats (kp 27/12/2017)

‘Bamdev’s own modus operandi behind poll loss’, by Kamal Panthi (kp 26/12/2017)

Parliamentary PR poll results in two days (ht 26/12/2017)

SC rejects Chaudhary’s plea to get MP certificate via power of attorney (kp 25/12/2017), SC tells MP Resham Chaudhary to face trial, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 25/12/2017)

EC accepts ‘faulty’ RJP-N PR candidate list, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/12/2017)

20pc proportional votes go to waste, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 24/12/2017)

EC allots proportional seats of provincial vote: CPN-UML has topped the PR chart by securing a total of 75 seats, followed by the NC’s 72 and 35 of the CPN (Maoist Centre), by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 23/12/2017), Provincial PR seat allocation to parties complete (ht 23/12/2017)

Call for ‘sufficient’ access to election observers: Carter Center says provisions should always be in place to allow poll observers adequate access to ensure transparency and integrity of elections (kp 23/12/2017), Vote counting generally consistent with international standards: Carter Centre (ht 23/12/2017)

Reduced poll expenses furnished (ht 22/12/2017)

Leftist poll win has little to do with India, China: Experts, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 21/12/2017), Strategy for survival: Nepal’s latest election results do not mean dismay for New Delhi or joy for Beijing, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 22/12/2017)

EC ready to hold NA poll under STV polling system, by Arjun Poudel (ht 20/12/2017), Left to sweep upper house under majority system, a few seats for NC under STV, by Ashok Dahal and Mani Dahal (rep 20/12/2017)

Evaluating NC’s ‘loss’: Judging by the popular votes this time for Nepali Congress, communist victory appears nothing more than an outcome of political match-fixing, by Narayan Manandhar (rep 20/12/2017)

The missing millions: A comparison of census and Election Commission data shows hordes of lost voters, by Sanjay Sharma (kp 19/12/2017)

EC working on PR quota allocation in lower house: Poll authority busy verifying data after receiving related documents from most of the electoral constituencies, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 19/12/2017)

Post-poll prospects: Hill voters accused Congress of not speaking strongly against the blockade while Madhesis were disenchanted with its inadequate support for statute amendment, by Pramod Jaiswal (rep 19/12/2017)

Election 2017: Surfacing Hopes, by Prem Khatry (rn 19/12/2017)

PR vote count to be completed today: EC (ht 17/12/2017), PR vote count concludes, UML largest party in parliament (ht 17/12/2017), Preliminary results of Nepal’s parliamentary elections of 2017 (with some comparisons to the CA elections of November 2013, by K.-H. Krämer (Nepal Observer 44, 17/12/2017)

EC: Allocation of PR vote seats could take time. by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/12/2017)

6,000-odd votes under proportional representation missing in Morang, by Hari Afhikari (ht 17/12/2017)

More than one lakh votes invalid in Saptari (ht 17/12/2017), CPN-MC swept away (ht 17/12/2017) (related to Saptari), RJP-N bags highest number of PR votes (ht 17/12/2017 (related to Saptari)

Proportional representation: A likely scenario: At 8pm on Friday, the UML appeared to get 41 PR seats in the House while the NC could secure 40 seats. Maoists might get 17 seats, the SSF-N and the RJP-N 6 each, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 16/12/2017)

Investing in inclusion: Constitutionally guaranteed proportional representation won’t guarantee qualitative change (kp 15/12/2017) [The parties' women discriminating way of nominating candidates for elections is a fundamental crime and a grave violation of the constitution!!], Pro-women (nt 15/12/2017)

Cop-turned-politician Silwal in the dock? Apex court orders action against those involved in forging appraisal documents related to former DIG; After resigning from police force, Silwal joined the CPN-UML and went on to win a seat in the House of Representatives (kp 15/12/2017) [The connections between politics and crime can never be close enough! This cannot be called rule of law!]

78 % UML, 58 % Maoist candidates won polls, by Ashok Dahal (rep 15/12/2017)

Elections and everyday democracy: Vignettes from election day in Sindhupalchok, by Sangita Thebe-Limbu (nt 15/12/2017)

Temporary police hit the streets (ht 15/12/2017), 12 temporary cops injured in Dolakha clash (ht 19/12/2017) [Working agreements have also to be respected by the state!], Temporary police personnel return home three days earlier: DPO charged with discrepancy in temporary cops’ ration allowance (ht 20/12/2017)

The Promised Land (nt 15/12/2017), Electoral reform, by Bhojraj Pokharel (nt 15/12/2017)

UML on top as FPTP vote count concludes: Claims 80 House of Representatives and 167 provincial constituencies (kp 14/12/2017), In winner-take-all game, some lost by a whisker, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 14/12/2017), Gachhadar wins in Sunsari-3 (kp 14/12/2017), No. of directly elected female candidates slumps further: Only six secure seats in House of Representatives under FPTP category in these elections (kp 14/12/2017), Shashank NC’s only rep in House from Province 4, by Lal Prasad Sharma(kp 14/12/2017), 46 candidates lose deposit in Kavre district (ht 14/12/2017), Four cops hurt in election victory rally clash between NC, FSF-N (ht 14/12/2017)

Invalid votes under FPTP system averaged at 5.18 pc: CEC Yadav (kp 14/12/2017), Invalid votes high in Khotang, Palpa and Baglung (rep 14/12/2017), 26,000 votes invalid in Kapilvastu, says EC, by Manoj Poudel (kp 15/12/2017), More than 10pc invalid votes in Parsa (ht 15/12/2017)

Man on the run set to walk into Parliament: Resham Chaudhary wins election from Kailali-1; He is on our wanted list; we will arrest him: Police (kp 13/12/2017) [Question to EC and RJPN: What about article 87 of the constitution??], EC to submit Resham Chaudhary’s certificate to Parliament Secretariat (ht 14/12/2017), SC refuses Chaudhary’s writ petition (kp 16/12/2017)

Observers suggest poll reforms (kp 13/12/2017)

Vote counting resumes in Sunsari Constituency 3 (kp 13/12/2017), Gorkha folk elect Bhattarai ‘for his past works’ (kp 13/12/2017)

Counting of FPTP votes over in 4 days, says EC: Counting of votes in Syangja began on Sunday midnight (kp 12/12/2017), Vote count halted in Sunsari-3 (kp 12/12/2017), Madhesi alliance dominates Parsa poll results (ht 12/12/2017), RJP-N, FSF-N win eight seats in Saptari (ht 12/12/2017), UML may have to elect allwomen candidates under PR (ht 12/12/2017), Morang records less number of invalid votes in recent polls (ht 12/12/2017), Resolve the row: Considering the urgency, the Election Commission has urged the government to draft a law for the Upper House election (ht 12/12/2017), Results Of Federal And Provincial Elections Of 2017, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 12/12/2017)

Sainte-Laguë formula to decide PR seats (ht 12/12/2017), How PR seats are allocated (kp 13/12/2017)

Old faces dominate tally, by Chandan Kmuar Mandal (kp 12/12/2017)

Elections 2017: Hoping Changes For Better, by Prem Khatry (rn 12/12/2017)

EC presses govt to frame laws for National Assembly elections, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 11/12/2017)

UML leads in popular vote too, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 11/12/2017), Madhesi parties hold little sway outside Province 2: Most of the seats the SSF-N and the RJP-N are winning are from the eight Tarai districts west of Koshi, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 11/12/2017), Top NC leaders fail to rescue party, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 11/12/2017) [They are the main reason for the NC defeat!!], Key architects of left alliance: Bamdev, Shrestha suffer loss: UML top leaders, including party Chairman Oli, Khanal, Nembang register convincing wins (kp 11/12/2017) [Shrestha got punished for the Maoists' wicked and arrogant attitude towards BRB!!], Left alliance consolidates its lead (ht 11/12/2017)

New faces cement their place in provincial assembly of Sindhupalchowk, by Dhruba Dangal (rep 11/12/2017)

RPP Chairman Thapa loses in Makawanpur-1 (ht 11/12/2017) [Wonderful! Nepal has finally got rid of him!], Only a few businessmen fare well in elections (ht 11/12/2017)

Forum, Congress trade blows at victory rallies: Clashes break out during victory rallies taken out by the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal and the Nepali Congress in Rautahat on Sunday (kp 11/12/2017)

Left Alliance Heads For Resounding Victory, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 10/12/2017), Left alliance heading for comfortable majority (ht) 10/12/2017, Country on the cusp of taking Left turn: UML-Maoist Centre alliance set for election sweep; The two forces also leading in districts along plains, except Province 2, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 10/12/2017), Some saving grace for NC as it faces biggest electoral setback (kp 10/12/2017), Left alliance claims all Baglung seats, by Prakash Baral (kp 10/12/2017), Dalit elected to provincial assembly (kp 10/12/2017) [At least 10 per cent of the candidates should have been Dalits!!!], 44 ballot papers sans official signatures (kp 10/12/2017), With Mishra’s defeat, Bibeksheel Sajha loses hope for direct win: BSP has fielded candidates in all the kathmandu constituencies but the party seems unlikely to win any FPTP federal house seat, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 10/12/2017), Rijal secures hard-fought win for Nepali Congress (ht 10/12/2017), NC routed in Dolakha, Sindhupalchowk (ht 10/12/2017), Left alliance emerges dominant force in hilly districts of Province 1 (ht 10/12/2017), CPN-MC wins all seats in Rukum East (ht 10/12/2017)

NC, UML neck to neck in PR vote: NC gets 39,353 PR votes for federal parliament compared to UML’s 39,260 (kp 10/12/2017)

UML-MC leading in provincial polls also (ht 10/12/2017)

Observation by carter center, EU: ‘Polls were generally well-conducted’ (kp 10/12/2017), Political freedom prevailed over violence, says EU (ht 10/12/2017)

Parties urged to remove poll publicity materials (kp 10/12/2017)

Left on track as alliance move proves right: Analysts say UML, Maoist Centre’s rallying cry for ‘prosperity through stability’ worked well while NC failed to win voters’ trust, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 09/12/2017), Left alliance ahead in most constituencies (ht 09/12/2017), Left alliance takes early lead in Valley, by Chandan Kumaer Mandal (kp 09/12/2017), Chhakka Bahadur pulls off surprise win in Humla: First independent candidate to make it to federal parliament (kp 09/12/2017), An apple farmer’s sweet success in politics: UML’s Polden Gurung makes it to federal parliament from Manang, by Aash Gurung (kp 09/12/2017), Maoist Centre’s Roka wins in Rukum East, by Hari Gautam (kp 09/12/2017)

An agitated NC mulling over quiet introspection: Senior NC leader Ram Chandra Poudel says the party will discuss the possible reasons behind poor performance, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 09/12/2017)

Dispute over ferrying of ballots in jeep used by candidate: Rival say ballot boxes were changed in collusion with the local administration and security personnel on way to counting venue (kp 09/12/2017)

Turnout revised up to 69.58pc (kp 09/12/2017)

Found in transition: With polls yesterday, Nepal is on its way to completing political transition that started in 2006 but a lot still remains to be done (kp 08/12/2017), Into a state of uncertain stability: Whoever wins, Nepal will likely be ruled by the same old leaders, by Om Astha Rai (nt 08/12/2017), Challenges ahead: Those in newly elected Parliament must ensure that welfare of people takes precedence over petty party interests, by Shyam KC (kp) [This would mean a total revolution campared to what has happened so far!!], Historic polls conclude with 67pc turnout, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 08/12/2017), First phase vote count starts: Early results put CPN-UML ahead (kp 08/12/2017), A watershed moment: Successful completion of elections ends long-drawn transition infusing hope of stability, but challenges remain, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 08/12/2017), Election largely peaceful, says government (kp 08/12/2017), Polling by and large peaceful in Valley, by Rupesh Acharya (ht 08/12/2017), CK Raut’s hometown boycotts elections (kp 08/12/2017), Voters share they had no confusion how to cast ballot, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 08/12/2017), Most voters cast their votes within five minutes, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 08/12/2017), Confusion reigns in PR voting as voters lack education, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 08/12/2017), Voters not taught to cast ballot properly, says NRHC (ht 08/12/2017), Enthusiastic participation of youths in elections, by Sabitri Dhakal (ht 08/12/2017), Hassle-free voting for elderly, differently abled (ht 08/12/2017), Three don’t get own vote, by Arjun Rajbanshi (kp 08/12/2017), Election grounds over 350 domestic flights (kp 08/12/2017), Pvt sector upbeat as phase II elections conclude peacefully (ht 08/12/2017), Bullet to ballot: After 21 years of war and wilderness Nepal finally looks to future stability by holding three elections in one year, by Santa Gaha Magar (nt 08/12/2017)

6 injured in Nawalparasi IED explosions (kp 08/12/2018), Election postponed in Arghakhanchi station: Voters vandalise Madhure Basic School polling station after they found ballot papers without election officer’s signature (kp 08/12/2017), Bomb goes off in Purano Naikap (ht 08/12/2017), Blast at NEA facility disrupts power supply (ht 08/12/2017)

So close yet so far: As important as today’s polls are, very little has been done on post-poll federal project (kp 07/12/2017) [!!!]

45 districts go to polls today, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 07/12/2017), 45 districts go to polls today: 12,235,993 voters to elect 128 parliamentary FPTP candidates, by Arjun Poudel (ht), Over 200,000 security forces for today’s polls, by Manish Gautam (kp 07/12/2017), Vote count set to start this evening: Security stepped up around counting centres (kp 07/12/2017), Official Ids valid for voting: EC (kp 07/12/2017), Three injured as left alliance, SSF-N supporters clash (kp 07/12/2017)

EC to fast-track vote counting: Hopes to announce results within eight days (kp 06/12/2017), FPTP poll results by December 11, claims poll panel Results of PR elections by Dec 15 (ht 06/12/2017), FPTP results within four days: EC (rep 06/12/2017)

Dialectics of dictatorship: Peoples’ real agenda for elections are overshadowed by the exchange of high-voltage allegations, by Achyut Wagle (kp 06/12/2017)

40,000 deployed for vote security, by Thakur Singh Tharu and Manoj Paudel (kp 06/12/2017), Focus on safety of people, poll materials: Security tightened around polling booths and stations in 45 districts where the second phase of elections takes place on Thursday (kp 06/12/2017), Police struggle to identify source of explosives, by Manish Gautam (kp 06/12/2017), Incidents of blast continue (kp 06/12/2017), Where is the security? NC leader Gagan Thapa escaped a deadly attack but Deuba govt needs to do more (kp 06/12/2017), Security stepped up ahead of phase II polls (ht 06/12/2017) [??], AI concerned about increasing violence (ht 06/12/2017)

NC’s Thapa among 11 injured in blast: First explosion in Capital targeting campaign three days ahead of polls, by Manish Gautam (kp 05/12/2017), Blasts targeting candidates continue unabated: IED goes off near a hotel in Dhangadi where PM Deuba was staying (kp 05/12/2017), Bomb blasts continue: MoHA reiterates commitment to holding peaceful elections, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 05/12/2017), ‘Lack of designated home minister affecting security’, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 05/12/2017), Security tops agenda for poll observers, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 05/12/2017), Frequent blasts have challenged poll security, says NHRC (ht 05/12/2017), Cowardly act: The government must tell the public why the security agencies have not been able to control such violence (ht 05/12/2017), Security heightened for Thursday’s vote. by Aman Koirala (kp 05/12/2017), Extra funds sought for ferrying ballot boxes (kp 05/12/2017), Daily wagers being paid to trigger blasts, claim Nepal Police, by Rewati Sapkota and Tilak Rimal (kp 05/12/2017)

Bajura women not free to exercise voting rights, by Prakash Singh (ht 05/12/2017)

Silence period on (ht 05/12/2017), No voter education in rural areas of Saptari (ht 05/12/2017), Dom voters want candidates to improve their living condition, by Ram Kumar Kamat and Hari Adhikari (ht 05/12/2017), Empty stomachs matter more than elections for Majhis, by Chhabi Lal Tiwari (rep 05/12/2017)

602 contesting elections for 63 seats in Province 1 (ht 05/12/2017)

‘80pc vehicles booked for taking voters home’: According to transport entrepreneurs, there are only 20 percent vehicles for passengers to choose a ride on until today, by Anup Ojha (kp 05/12/2017), Growing chill troubles poll officials, by Biplav Bhattarai and Chandra Karki (kp 05/12/2017), Poll deployments hit essential services, by Kamal Panthi (kp 05/12/2017)

17 votes cast in the name of deceased (kp 05/12/2017)

Security agencies intensify patrol: Detain 284 people with guns, explosive devices (kp 04/12/2017), Peaceful election: Govt should do all it can to stop security threats so that people can vote without fear (kp 04/12/2017)

Poll body: ‘Election quiz’ also has questions on CPN-UML (kp 04/12/2017), EC confident of secure elections: Says preparations for Thursday’s voting complete (kp 04/12/2017), Yadav confident about poll security: Chief election commissioner asks voters to cast votes without any fear (ht 04/12/2017), Poll candidates face an uphill struggle to win over disillusioned voters in Kathmandu-2 (ht 04/12/2017), Poll candidates yet to reach Dalit settlement in Siraha district: Party cadres will reach the settlement with alcohol and meat a day before polls (ht 04/12/2017) [???], Female voters to decide fate of candidates: On Friday alone, around 55 men of Mangalsain left for India for employment (ht 04/12/2017), Election code violated in Saptari (ht 04/12/2017), Top leaders in tough poll battles (rep 04/12/2017), Tired of tall promises, voters avoid campaigners, by Tekendra Basyal (rep 04/12/2017), Young candidate to give tough fight to seasoned ones in Lalitpur, by Pooja Chauhan (rep 04/12/2017)

EC’s poll code limited to papers only? No action taken against anyone except a few warnings here and there: Election observers say the poll authority on almost all occasions has turned a blind eye to poll code violation (kp 03/12/2017) [Only foreign election observers are punished severely for doing their job!!]

EC working to publish results within week; Official: Election Commission preparing to relay vote counting updates more frequently (kp 03/12/2017) [It would be better for many reasons if only preliminary final results are published for each constituency! The continued publishing of intermediate results is confusing and provokes militant actions!]

Caste equationslikely to playcrucial role in Dhanusha, by Ram Kumar Kamat and Brij Kumar Yadav (ht 03/12/2017)

Case filed demanding re-poll, by Keshav Adhikari (ht 03/12/2017)

Appearance and Reality: During election campaigns, candidates display ostensible acts of kindness and desire to serve, by Prawash Gautam (kp 03/12/2017), Triangular contest in Mahottari-3, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 03/12/2017), Nidhi, Mahato brace for close contest in Dhanusha-3 (ht 03/12/2017), Amendment dominates three-way poll race in Province 2 (rep 03/12/2017), Will Karki be able to protect the legacy of Koirala's?, by Amar Khadka (rep 03/12/2017), Rebel candidates pose challenge to left alliance in Salyan, by Devendra Basnet (rep 03/12/2017)

Rain likely to play spoilsport with phase II polls (ht 03/12/2017)

‘Decisive’ Gurkhas don’t count much, by Lila Ballav Ghimire and Pradeep Menyangbo (kp 03/12/2017)

Blasts continue in various districts (kp 03/12/2017), Army enhances presence to curb anti-poll actions: NA officials say resurgence of violent activities has prompted them to ‘play a more active role’ in maintaining law and order during the elections (kp 03/12/2017), APF, Indian SSB start joint border patrol (kp 03/12/2017), Security situation ‘normal’ in Tarai districts, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 03/12/2017)

Home but not dry: The two-phase elections will conclude this week, but the federal journey has just begun, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 02/12/2017)

Parties giving voters free ride home, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 02/12/2017), ‘Madhesi parties will best serve our interest, so we’ll vote for them’, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 02/12/2017), ‘Parties flouting poll code of conduct’ (ht 02/12/2017), Congress, left alliance candidates in close contest in Tanahun (ht 02/12/2017), Election code violation rampant in Chitwan, by Rewati Sapkota and Tilak Rimal (ht 02/12/2017), Triangular contest in Saptari district (ht 02/12/2017)

Re-election sees lower voter turnout: At one centre, voter turnout was 42.46 pc on Friday, down from 65.34 pc earlier, by Hari Gautam (kp 02/12/2017)

EC instructs agencies to step up security (kp 01/12/2017), Four injured in Itahari blast, by Bedraj Poudel (kp 01/12/2017), ‘Chand-led CPN grave threat to security’ (ht 01/12/2017), Blast in Capital hours after security meet, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 02/12/2017), One killed, five dozen hurt in violence over two weeks (kp 02/12/2017), EC urges parties to aid security (kp 02/12/2017)

Oli denies ‘match fixing’ with Sitaula: UML chair reiterates that his party was committed to supporting Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s Rajendra Lingden in the constituency as announced earlier (kp 01/12/2017) [???], Aggressive campaigning by parties leaves voters in a fix, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 01/12/2017), EC Commissioner Shah inspects poll campaign (ht 01/12/2017), Contestants wooing indigenous Tharu community voters (ht 01/12/2017), Jha calls on voters to elect Madhesi alliance candidates (ht 01/12/2017), Statute amendment top agenda for FSF-N, RJP-N (ht 01/12/2017), Last lavish lap: As Election Day draws closer, candidates are trying to outdo each other in wooing swing voters, and win power (nt 01/12/2017), Voters' vow: Neither bullets nor cynicism will deter people from delivering their political verdict, by Om Astha Rai (nt 01/12/2017), Political theories versus reality: Ongoing elections mark the dawn of federalism but candidates believe power will rest in Kathmandu, by Shreejana Shrestha (nt 01/12/2017), Performance vs promises (nt 01/12/2017), Mahantha Thakur's prospects uncertain in Mahottari, by Mahesh Kumar Das (rep 01/12/2017), Our election circus, by Gunjan Upadhyay (rep 01/12/2017), Putting NC Marginal Candidates At Risk, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 01/12/2017)

Voter turnout decreases in Nuwakot, by Bhagawati Lama (rep 01/12/2017)

CEC's daughter-in-law in Maoist PR list (rep 01/12/2017)

Temporary cop injured in Dang explosion dies: 1st casualty of anti-poll activities, by Durga Lal KC (kp 30/11/2017), NC candidate among seven hurt in Udaypur IED blast, by Dilliram Khatiwada (kp 30/11/2017), NHRC condemns rising incidents of bomb attack (kp 30/11/2017), EC seeks security stratagy for second phase polls (kp 30/11/2017), How to save the election: Premier Deuba has failed to demonstrate strong commitment to security for historic elections (kp 30/11/2017)

Horsing around: Insincerity and false promises has become a staple of Nepali politics now, rendering vote swings highly probable, by Deepak Thapa (kp 30/11/2017), First-Phase Federal And Provincial Elections, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 30/11/2017)

Re-polling at two centres in Rukum (West) tomorrow, by Hari Gautam (kp 30/11/2017), All ballot boxes secured at district headquarters (kp 30/11/2017)

NC sends central reps to 45 districts (kp 29/11/2017), Left alliance reverts focus to door-to-door campaign (kp 29/11/2017), Party’s poll drive in line with EC rules, says UML: The EC had directed the UML to come clean within 24 hours over the publica-tion of ads in broadsheet dailies appealing for votes (kp 30/11/2017), RPP’s Bohara accused of poll code violation (kp 30/11/2017)

Proxy voting blamed for highest turnout, by Arjun Shah (kp 29/11/2017), Low participation in Dhading (kp 29/11/2017)

Water, land titles among voters’ concern (kp 29/11/2017), Work comes first for labourers, not election, by Shiva Puri (kp 29/11/2017)

Kanda ballots reach Bajhang HQ, finally (kp 29/11/2017)

Govt plans to deploy 60,000 security forces in 8 districts, by Manish Gautam (kp 29/11/2017)

IED blast in Tulsipur leaves nine injured, by Durga Lal KC (kp 29/11/2017)

After polls, ballot box safety major concern: Political parties in Sindhupalchok install close-circuit television cameras (kp 28/11/2017), Ballots from 40 polling stations to be airlifted, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 28/11/2017), EC warns against opinion polls, survey (kp 28/11/2017) [??], Party representatives dispute over boarding chopper: Helicopter returns without carrying ballot boxes (kp 28/11/2017), Chopper returns without ballot boxes from Kanda: Row over who will board copter (ht 28/11/2017), Migration, terror blamed for low voter turnout, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 28/11/2017), IEDs detonated targetting ballot boxes (kp 28/11/2017)

No violence please: Use of guns and explosives to dirupt electoral environment can have long-term implications on national security, by Binoj Basnyat (kp 28/11/2017)

Shivpujan Ray Yadav’s nomination annulled (ht 28/11/2017), Yadav to move court against EC for revoking his candidacy: Left bloc candidate ousted from race for corruption (kp 28/11/2017), SC seeks cause of Yadav’s ouster from race (kp 06/12/2017), SC upholds EC move of revoking Shiva Pujan Yadav’s candidacy (kp 07/12/2017)

Congress courts Madhesi, fringe forces to contain left: There is a ‘tentative agreement’ that the two sides should forge alliance in the constituencies where the prospects of the left alliance winning are high (kp 28/11/2017), Old foes back in race after 23 years, by Pratap Bista (kp 28/11/2017), Unfounded fears: Portrayal of the left alliance as a potential threat to democracy is nothing more than political propaganda, by Lalbabu Yadav (kp 28/11/2017)

Vote in 32 districts a success, says EC; Former chief election commissioner Uprety: More than 65 percent turnout satisfactory against the odds (kp 27/11/2017), CEC Yadav hails effective security, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 27/11/2017), 2 dozen hurt in clashes, repolling at two centres (kp 27/11/2017), Peaceful polls (ht 27/11/2017), Women voters turn out ‘in force’, by Manoj Badu (kp 27/11/2017), Observers urge EC to focus on better voter education (kp 27/11/2017), Despite concerns, over 60 percent vote in Province 6 (kp 27/11/2017), Tingla folk boycott polls yet again (kp 27/11/2017), All that is free and fair: The first phase of elections has gone well despite deep apprehension (kp 27/11/2017), Thirty per cent votes cast in Thawang: This is remarkable, considering no vote was cast in 2013 CA election, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 27/11/2017)

There is no transparency on political parties’ election spending, interview with Shree Hari Aryal (kp 27/11/2017)

Snowfall in high-altitude regions (kp 26/11/2017), EC urges all to exercise franchise without fear, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 26/11/2017), Reliable security measures in place: Ministry (kp 26/11/2017), Robust security in place for elections, says home ministry (ht 26/11/2017), Explosion at polling centre creates panic (ht), Media warned against ‘code violation’ (kp 26/11/2017), Prithvi Highway shut for 17 hours (kp 26/11/2017) [??], It’s a six-hour trek to polling centre, but voters undaunted, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 26/11/2017)

Few candidates reach Shikaribas, by ShankarAcharya (kp 26/11/2017), A look at some top battles (kp 26/11/2017)

Badi voters seek guarantee of permanent settlement, by Tekendra Deuba (ht 25/11/2017), Musahar community neglected by candidates in Bara, by Pushpa Raj Khatiwada (ht 25/11/2017)

EC bars two EU observers from poll monitoring (kp 25/11/2017) [As a consequence, all poliiticians and parties that have violated the election code of conduct should be bared from elections??], ‘Government has violated election code’: Govt allegedly distributed a huge sum of money to cadres of ruling parties (ht 25/11/2017) [This must be checked by international election observation teams as well if the election observation shall make any sense!!], EC helpless against poll code violators: Observers: Lack of effective voter education programme is another concern raised, by Tika R. Prahan (kp 25/11/2017, Parties clash in different districts ahead of polls (kp 25/11/2017), CEC appeals to all sides to respect silent period (kp 25/11/2017), EC asks RPP boss to clarify (kp 25/11/2017), Blasts continue, explosive devices defused (kp 25/11/2017), Attacks on cadres condemned (ht 25/11/2017), Pedestrian injured in explosion (ht 25/11/2017), Two arrested forinvolvement in anti-poll activities (ht 25/11/2017) [Peaceful activists are arrested, but the militants are allowed to run free!]

People can vote with old ID cards: EC: The election body started issuing voter ID cards from the polling centres in 32 districts on Friday (kp 25/11/2017)

NC fields highest number of candidates (ht 25/11/2017)

64,020 NA personnel deployed for poll security (ht 25/11/2017)

Election watch: Free and fair poll observation is important exercise in a democracy (kp 24/11/2017)

Power centre: Electing the Parliament and state assemblies does not necessarily ensure the kind of decentralisation that Nepalis have long needed, by Om Astha Rai (nt 24/11/2017), Key to the future: Leaders and activists interested in shaping Nepal’s future should focus on shaping up the elections, by Dinkar Nepal (nt 24/11/2017)

MoHA orders arrest of top CPN leaders: Anti-poll activities continue despite govt’s ‘improved security’ claims (kp 24/11/2017), Anti-poll activities continue, election officials attacked (kp 24/11/2017), Rally ban in fear of clash (kp 24/11/2017)

Back to district for elections, by Aash Gurung (kp 24/11/2017), Poll officials find it hard to reach villages: It takes three days on foot to reach Junichande and Barekot rural municipalities from the district headquarters (kp 24/11/2017), Livelihood concerns Rajapur locals more than elections, by Kamal Panthi (kp 24/11/2017)

Election economics: Campaign spending pumps cash into the economy and stimulates short-term growth, by Shiv Raj Bhatt (kp 24/11/2017)

EC rejects govt request to transfer officials (kp 24/11/2017), Election Commission cancels transfer of three CDOs, three others (kp 24/11/2017)

Silence period for Sunday’s vote begins: 300-metre periphery of the polling centre to be cleared of publicity materials (kp 24/11/2017)

‘Illiterate women voters of Bajhang at risk of manipulation’, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 23/11/2017), When radio is king: Battle for hearts, minds and ears as elections near (kp 23/11/2017), Voters’ confusion (ht 23/11/2017)

Scores of CPN activists arrested in the run-up to upcoming polls (kp 23/11/2017), MoHA: Tight security in place for Sunday polls, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 23/11/2017)

Fighting alienation: During elections, rational voting has to flourish and negative elements should not be allowed to outweigh positive ones, by Sajal Mani Dhital (kp 23/11/2017)

Code violations go unchecked (kp 23/11/2017), Phase I poll campaigning ends tonight (ht 23/11/2017)

EU reps violate election code in Kanchanpur, by Chitranga Thapa (kp 23/11/2017), EC urged to bar EU poll observers from Kanchanpur, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 23/11/2017), CEC hardens position on int’l poll observers: Says there’s no need for missions, monitors to certify elections of Nepal (kp 23/11/2017) [????]

Govt to file cases against anti-poll elements in court, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 22/11/2017), CEC asks govt to ensure security for voters (ht 22/11/2017), SC calls parties, EC to discuss 33 pc women candidates, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 22/11/2017) [Why only 4 days ahead of the first election day?], 319 PR candidates in closed list in Province 4 (ht 22/11/2017), Most voting centres sensitive (ht 22/11/2017)

Karnali region: Candidates quiet about perennial food shortage, underdevelopment, by Janak Nepal and Prakash Adhikari (kp 22/11/2017), Rural Palpa don’t know how to vote; poll body to send educators soon, by Madhav Aryal (kp 22/11/2017), Ignorant voters in a remote Panchthar village in dire need of voting lessons, by Roshan S. Nepal and Laxmi Gautam (ht 22/11/2017), Muslim voters confused (ht 22/11/2017)

Provincial assembly candidates overshadowed in campaigns (ht 22/11/2017)

CPN-MC to wind up campaign in Chunwang: Security beefed up, separate campaign route fixed for NC to avoid clash, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 22/11/2017)

Four CDOs transferred (kp 22/11/2011)

Deuba tells forces to act tough: Pledges security agencies resources and support to curbing activities that threaten peaceful elections, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 21/11/2017), Security measures upped around election offices, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 21/11/2017), Candidate’s vehicle torched, IEDs found in several places (kp 21/11/2017)

Border voters demand more police in their towns and villages, by Madhav Ghimire and Binod Bhandari (kp 21/11/2017), Rukum West contestants set precedent for campaigning: Incurring minimal expenditure to spread their message without violating poll code of conduct, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 21/11/2017), Congress, Madhes parties under urge to seek poll alliance to take on left, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 21/11/2017), Langtang: Where election candidates never go, by Him Nath Devkota (rep 21/11/2017), New candidates put up fight against 'heavyweights' in Sunsari (rep 21/11/2017), Underprivileged Dom community unfazed by elections, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep 21/11/2017), Parties found breaching election code as authority turns blind eye, by Mahesh Kumar Das (rep 21/11/2017)

Talking through their hat: Many of the health care promises in the election manifestos are absurd and undoable, by Nirmal Kandel (kp 21/11/2017)

Printing of ballot papers completed: EC (kp 21/11/2017), Poll panel prints over 57 million ballot papers (ht 21/11/2017)

Final list of PR candidates: Women account for 55pc of total PR candidates; After EC disqualifies 253, total number comes down to 5,838 (kp 20/11/2017)

Phials of blood: How would the Madhesi activists who agitated for constitutional change vote in a poll being held to ensure the inviolability of the same statute?, by CK Lal (rep 20/11/2017)

Nepal needs the PR electoral system until we achieve inclusiveness that renders PR unnecessary, interview with BhojraJ Pokharel (kp 20/11/2017)

Army to step up poll security measures: Says it will conduct land and aerial patrols as violent acts go unabated, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 20/11/2017)

Left alliance to carry on with its campaign: Maoist Chairman Dahal was in Jhapa when his son Prakash breathed his last on Sunday morning, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 20/11/2017)

Despite higher population size women voters are less than men (kp 19/11/2017)

New direction: In these elections, for the first time in the country’s history, development agenda tops, by Prawash Gautam (kp 19/11/2017)

Voter education materials looted (kp 19/11/2017)

Candidates fund themselves for campaigns, mostly, by Biinod Ghimire and Sanjeev Giri (kp 19/11/2017)

NC, Maoist Centre leaders attacked: Blast targeted at Mahat injures six in Nuwakot (kp 18/11/2017), EC says it is serious about candidates’ security (kp 18/11/20187), Attacks on leaders continue unchecked: IED hurled at NC leader Ram Chandra Poudel’s vehicle in Tanahun n Explosion near left alliance programme venue in Rautahat (kp 19/11/2017), MoHA says ‘attention drawn to assaults': Yet to release information on who are behind blasts (kp 19/11/2017)

188 types of poll signs on ballots (kp 18/11/2017)

From the margins: While there are sparse Muslim settlements in the hilly regions of far western Nepal, they receive little to no attention from government agencies, and political candidates vying for office, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 18/11/2017)

Elections becoming ‘unnaturally expensive’: Study says Rs 5,000 spent per voter during local polls, by Prithvi Shrestha and Binod Ghimire (kp 18/11/2017), Follow the money! Our political parties never tell the EC, or the people, where they get their funds from and it seems that the EC does not have the courage to take any action, by Guffadi (kp 18/11/2017)

Incidents of attack on leaders stoke concern: IED blasts targeting candidates, poll campaigns continue unabated; Police say they have upped vigilance, arrested over 150 in two weeks (kp 17/11/2017), 5 NCP cadres arrested (kp 17/11/2017)

Youths ‘least bothered’ about voting (kp 17/11/2017), Nudges for betterment: Political parties contesting achievable goals, accompanied by an aware voter base, would set Nepal in the right direction, by Jaya Jung Mahat (kp 17/11/2017)

Kailali-5 contest: A test of Arzu’s popularity, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 17/11/2017), Changing face of election campaign: Political parties, leaders turn to social, digital media to reach voters, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 17/11/2017), Alliance politics: Foes turn friends in West Rukum: UML’s Sher Bahadur KC supporting Maoist Centre’s Janardan Sharma who defeated him in 2008 CA polls, by Durga lal KC and Hari Gautam (kp 17/11/2017)

EC ‘concerned’ about ‘secret financial dealings’: CEC Yadav seeks support from all sectors to curb such activities (kp 16/11/2017), ‘Whither development, whither employment? Candidates face tough questions while canvassing, by Madhav Ghimire’ (kp 16/11/2017), Volunteers take voter education to rice, cardamom plantations (kp 16/11/2017)

Blind people call for secret voting rights (kp 16/11/2017), It takes 8 hours for Siddara locals to vote!, by Birendra KC (kp 16/11/2017), Rural voters unaware of polls, by Purna BK (kp 16/11/2017)

Deuba courts Nepalgunj Mayor Rana to boost NC-led alliance (kp 16/11/2017), Unsecure: Govt, security agencies need to be vigilant to curb attacks on election candidates (kp 16/11/2017)

Women voters outnumber men in 3 states, 39 districts (kp 15/11/2017), Tales of the far west: The focus is on marginalised groups as they contain a large number of swing voters, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 15/11/2017)

Blasts targeting candidates cause for concern, say poll observers (kp 15/11/2017), NHRC to probe attacks on candidates (kp 15/11/2017), UML criticises government over attacks on left candidates (kp 15/11/2017), Carter Center launches int’l poll observation (kp 15/11/2017), Use of kids in campaigns raises concerns (kp 15/11/2017), 22 NCP cadres arrested in Province 4 (kp 15/11/2017)

Keen contest in Ktm-5 as heavyweights clash, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 15/11/2017), Poll fight gets tough, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 15/11/2017), Koirala, Pandit frontrunners in Morang-6 (kp 15/11/2017)

Money, muscle and politics: Corrupt politicians should be voted out of office, but this does not happen in Nepal, by Bigyan Prasai (kp 14/11/2017)

Poll costs to exceed Rs 20b (kp 14/11/2017)

SSF-N manifesto targets ‘identity’ supporters, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 14/11/2017), Poll campaigns losing frills in Province 1 (kp 14/11/2017), Dodhara-Chandani asks for jobs, development projects, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 14/11/2017), Billionaire Chaudhary joins NC’s Koirala in election rally, by Narayan Sharma (kp 14/11/2017)

Banda hits life in Rolpa (kp 14/11/2017), Chitwan makes special security arrangement, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp 14/11/2017)

Voters of remote Shyamrang want deliverance from endemic poverty, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp 13/11/2017)

Only sound and fury, by Mahabir Paudyal (rep 13/11/2017)

Challenges galore for 5-time MP, 4-time PM Deuba, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Mohan Budhair (kp 13/11/2017), Oli’s rival Adhikari urges voters to choose young and dynamic leaders, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 13/11/2017), Toss-up between NC and left alliance in Kailali-4, by DR Panta (kp 13/11/2017)

Unidentified group fires at Pun’s team, by Kashiram Dangi (kp 13/11/2017), EC: Security upped for candidates (kp 13/11/2017)

‘70pc votes cast for ward member in local polls invalid’ (kp 12/11/2017)

No enforcement: Flouting election Codes of Conduct will have a multiplier effect on the level of corruption, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp 12/11/2017)

Thapa fights to retain repute, Bhattarai makes fresh foray, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 12/11/20177), Supporters see Rawal as future PM, UML boss: Opponents charge him with doing little for the district, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai and Menuka Dhungana (kp 12/11/2017), Reopening of Tatopani border main agenda: Incumbent and former information ministers in the fray, by Anish Tiwari (kp 12/11/2017), Flood victims’ request to candidates: Build our houses: Say they will vote for those who can address the flooding problem, by Thakur Singh Tharu (kp 12/11/2017)

Cache of explosive materials seized, by Prakash Adhikari (kp 12/11/2017)

18-40 age group makes up over half of voters, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 11/11/2017)

Back to the basics: While manifestos pledge railways, rapid development, and foreign investment; voters want political actors to stick to the basics, by Sanjeev Giri (kp11/11/2017), Putting people first: While infrastructural development has brought much-welcome changes, social development is the need of the hour, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 11/11/2017), Fake manifestos: Our political parties should stop wasting money publishing hawa-daari manifestos and littering our streets, by Guffadi (kp 11/11/2017)

Bibeksheel Sajha manifesto out with focus on prosperity (kp 11/11/2017), Dipayal as state capital major agenda in Doti: Dipayal was the headquarters of the far-western region before the country adopted federalism, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 11/11/2017)

IEDs hurled at election motorcade of Sharma (kp 11/11/2017), 2 injured as NC, left bloc activists clash in Solu, by Kumbharaj Rai (kp 11/11/2017)

8 women in the fray in Dang (kp 10/11/2017), No female Muslim FPTP candidate in Province 1, by Dilliram Khatiwada (kp 10/11/2017), Poll campaigns yet to reach Chepang settlement (kp 10/11/2017)

More women in campaigns as most of men are abroad, by Rajendra Manandhar (kp 10/11/2017) (related to Dolakha), Mechi Pari locals feel snubbed by leaders: Say elections hardly matter to them; All they want is basic facilities, by Sanjeev Giri and Parbat Portel (kp 10/11/2017)

Voters ‘unaware’ of duties of centre and state govts: Experts say political parties and leaders should have done enough homework to make voters understand powers and responsibilities of central and provincial governments, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/11/2017)

Why vote? I will never endorse anyone blindly; my endorsement will depend on past records and personal demeanour, by Pramod Mishra (kp 09/11/2017), Numbers are not enough: It will not do much good if women elected to power are not committed to the cause, by Tara Kanel (kp 09/11/2017)

SC ruling ‘forced’ EC to buy additional 100 tons of paper (kp 09/11/2017)

Security situation in Province 2 discussed (kp 09/11/2017)

Parties stress on pollution control, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 09/11/2017)

Gender discriminatory practices not on parties’ vote agenda, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 08/11/2017)

Villages where no one goes to ask for votes, by DR Panta (kp 08/11/2017), Darchula, East Rukum voters at a loss, by Manoj Badu and Hari Gautam (kp 08/11/2017)

Money for nothing: When elections become race for patronage rather than principles they are bound to be expensive (kp 08/11/2017)

EC to see if poll duty officials can vote (kp 08/11/2017), 300 polling centres ‘highly sensitive’, by Prakash Adhikari (kp 08/11/2017), Poll materials dispatched to 28 districts: EC (kp 08/11/2017), Pistol found on bike used by MC candidate (kp 08/11/2017)

EU launches poll observation mission (kp 08/11/2017)

An octogenarian’s fixation with running against Deuba: Karna Singh Rawal has been contesting against NC chief since 1999, by Mohan Budhair (kp 08/11/2017), Left alliance commits to stability, prosperity: UML-Maoist manifesto silent on stated goal of replacing form of governance with directly elected president, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 08/11/2017), RPP ‘firm on Hindu state, monarchy’ (kp 08/11/2017)

Voters, leaders in eastern hills stress connectivity with China: Say road networks to north could change the face of entire region, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 07/11/2017)

Seats up but claimants fewer than in CA vote, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 07/11/2017), Seat-sharing with UML: Maoists fear absence of FPTP candidates may hit PR votes, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 07/11/20187)

Candidates’ total expenditure set to exceed Rs 10 billion (kp 07/11/2017)

Youth look for those with development agenda, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 06/11/2017), Dalits hold the key, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 06/11/2017)

PM calls for effective voter education drive: Asks EC to ensure greater participation of people; Records at the poll authority show that the percentage of void votes was 12.5 percent in local elections (kp 06/11/2017), The EC constantly shifts positions and buckles under pressure, interview with Neel Kantha Uprety (kp 06/11/2017)

Congress to throw weight behind Thakur: Withdraws candidacy of its leader Bajranga Nepali in Mahottari-3, by Rabindra Upreti (kp 06/11/2017), 4,482 in the fray for Phase II:EC distributes election symbols n Says parties can start poll campaigns from today (kp 06/11/2017), In Morang-6, Koirala, Pandit set for tough fight, by Madhav Ghimire (kp 06/11/2017), SSF-N, RJP-N snub principle of inclusion: FPTP list for federal polls does not have even one woman (kp 11/11/2017), (Un)easy alliances: Elections are weeks away; left and NC-led alliances have different political characteristics (kp 06/11/2017)

No women candidates in Province 6 for FPTP vote, by Janak Nepal (kp 05/11/2017), Only 5.5 per cent female candidates in Kavre (ht 05/11/2017), ‘Dummy’ candidates in fray, by Aman Koirala (kp 05/11/2017), Disgruntled party cadres to contest independently (ht), UML asks rebels to withdraw candidacies (kp 05/11/2017), EC annuls Govinda Raj Joshi’s candidacy, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 05/11/2017), Heavyweights bracing for tough fight in constituency-2 of Saptari, by Byas Shankar Acharya (ht 05/11/2017), Dozens of businessmen in election fray, by Sujan Dhungana (ht 05/11/2017)

First-time voters against gerontocracy, by Ujjwal Satyal (ht 05/11/2017)

HRMEA prone to misuse: The phrase ‘as far as possible’ in the Act lets leaders choose from PR list, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 05/11/2017)

Election authority yet to start voter education drive: Vote three weeks away; Fear for high invalid votes (kp 05/11/2017), Districts asked for poll supply plan, by Manish Gautam (kp 05/11/2017), 1,900 poll code violation complaints filed at EC, by Rupesh Acharya (ht 05/11/2017)

In Darchula, voters say development matters more than ideology, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 05/11/2017), Taplejung locals upbeat about stability after polls, by Sanjeev Giri and Ananda Gautam (kp 05/11/2017)

EC readies PR candidate list for two polls: 56 percent of 6,094 fielded under the category are women (kp 04/11/2017), PR lists for parliamentary, provincial polls unveiled (ht 04/11/2017), Ballot papers dispatched to districts (ht 04/11/2017)

Election manifesto: Charter amendment top agenda of Madhes-based parties, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 04/10/2017), UML tops others in fielding CM hopefuls, by Binod Ghimire (kp 04/11/2017), Two alliances neck and neck in Lamjung (ht 04/11/2017), Eight ex-finance ministers contesting polls (04/11/2017), Mahara, Pokhrel file candidacies from Dang (ht 04/11/2017), Old faces dominate nominations in Surkhet (ht 04/11/2017)

4,708 file nominations for Phase II polls, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 03/11/2017), Parties face hard time ‘adjusting’ leaders: See rebel candidates in some places after some popular faces left out, by Binod Ghimire (kp 03/11/2017), Candidates file nominations amid fanfare (kp 03/11/2017), Bibeksheel Sajha contesting for 60 seats, with focus on Valley (kp 03/11/2017), Candidates' lists infested with criminals, goons, by Manish Gautam (kp 03/11/2017), Dhungana makes a comeback to politics after 23 years: To contest for the NC in Bhaktapur Constituency-2, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 03/11/2017), Left bloc common manifesto lashes out at Congress (kp 03/11/2017), 4 female candidates contesting in Kailali, by DR Panta (kp 03/11/2017), Major political parties fail to field enough number of women candidates (ht 03/11/2017), Politicians in proportion: Women must be allowed to contest direct elections so as to develop leadership skills (kp 03/11/2017) [Its is their right! Men have nothing to allow!], NC to contest 120 parliamentary seats in second round of polls (ht 03/11/2017), Poll alliances have reduced possible clashes, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 03/11/2017), Nomination filing peaceful in Province 7, by Tekendra Deuba (ht 03/11/217), Parties fielding senior leaders eyeing CM posts, by Rupesh Acharya (ht 03/11/2017)

56 organisations permitted to monitor elections, by Roshan S. Nepal (ht 03/11/2017)

Electoral competency: Women are still underrepresented in Nepali politics and the PR system has not made it any better, by Sanjaya Mahato (kp) Women candidates few and far between in NC: Party leadership struggles to quell charges of nepotism and favouritism, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 02/11/2017), Maoist Centre finalises its candidates for Valley: Choice of Sharma, Pun sparks uproar (kp 02/11/2017), Keen contest on cards in Gulmi-1, by Ghanashyam Gautam (kp 02/11/2017), Sitaula , Lingden face each other for third time (kp 02/11/2017)

SSF-N, RJP-N finalise seats for Province 2 (kp 01/11/2017), NC unveils election manifesto (kp 01/11/2017), NC advocates for wealth redistribution, social insurance (kp 01/11/2017)

Snowfall hinders poll campaigns in high altitude regions (kp 01/11/2017)

Major forces get time slots for nomination (kp 01/11/2017)

EC gears up for separate ballots: Move follows consultation with attorney general; Having 2 different ballots ‘not to hit’ poll schedule, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/10/2017), Poll panel to abide by court directive: To print separate FPTP ballot papers for provincial, parliamentary polls, by Arjun Poudel (ht 30/10/2017), SC’s strong directives to EC at this crucial time will hamper progress made towards FDR, interview with Bipin Adhikari (kp 30/10/2017), EC condemned for ignoring SC order (ht 30/10/2017) [Parties and politicians ignore SC orders as well!], Decision to print separate ballots: EC activities postponed (kp 01/11/2017)

EC tells govt to cancel Rs10b programme (kp 30/10/2017), EC bars ex-MPs from spending CDF money (rep 30/10/2017)

Polls prevent many Mustang locals from moving to lowlands despite growing chill, by Bishan Chhetri (rep 30/10/2017)

Too poor to run! If election tickets are to be auctioned off to highest bidders, why would anyone devote her life for the party’s betterment?, by Subhash Ghimire (rep 30/10/2017)

PR candidate lists in (kp 30/10/2017), Sitaula to run from Jhapa-3 (kp 30/10/2017), Left alliance struggles to finalise constituencies: Division of constituencies in Chitwan, Jhapa, Salyan, Udaypur and Sunsari has remained undecided, according to UML sources (kp 30/10/2017), SSF, RJP fail to pick common candidates (kp 30/10/2017), Parties finalise candidates for PR lists (ht 30/10/2017), Left alliance close to finalizing FPTP candidates (rep 30/10/2017), Left alliance allocates poll constituencies in Biratnagar (ht 30/10/2017), NC proposes alliance in selected seats in Province-2 (rep 30/10/2017)

Cong factions play favourites as party selects candidates: Deuba flexing his muscles in ticket distribution; Poudel not happy, Sitaula camp in a tight spot, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 29/10/2017), Congress, left alliance set for a close fight in Bajura: Going by the results of local level polls, communist forces are likely to have the upper hand (kp 29/10/2017), Left alliance to launch East-West campaign from November 5, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 29/10/2017), No deal yet with FSF-N, RJP-N: NC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 29/10/2017), Congress discusses changes to Proportional Representation list (ht 29/10/2017), Second phase of FPTP polls: Left alliance fails to finalise seat sharing (ht 29/10/2017), Same old faces in fray for polls in province 6 (ht 29/10/2017)

Govt releases Rs5b for federal, provincial polls (kp 29/10/2017), Reps of candidates may stay at ballot boxes storage locations (kp 29/10/2017), Training for Myadis from today: Names of more than 98,000 personnel finalised for deployment (kp 29/10/2017)

Resettlement process: Locals affected by Budhi Gandaki hydro project warn to boycott polls, by Sudeep Kaini (kp 29/10/2017)

Crime does pay: If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from watching too many films it is that participation in politics is natural progression for gangsters, by Gunjan Upadhyay (rep 28/10/2017)

Dalit leaders demand fair distribution of tickets in second phase elections (ht 28/10/2017)

Election Picking Up Momentum, by Kushal Pokharel (rn 28/10/2017), Security beefed up for HoR, provincial polls (ht 28/10/2017), No voting centre set up at Nyuna yet again (ht 28/10/2017), Dolakha candidates wooing voters in Kathmandu to ensure victory (ht 28/10/2017), 131,950 new voters in Province 7 (ht 28/10/2017)

UML, Maoist Centre launch joint campaign, by Kashiram Dangi (kp 27/10/2017), NC decides constituencies for top leaders (kp 27/10/2017), Left alliance finalises seat sharing for Dec 7; NC, Madhes-based parties struggling with seat allocation (ht 27/10/2017), Maoist leader Paudel in race from Baglung-2: Paudel, who recently quit Naya Shakti Party to rejoin CPN (Maoist Centre), will have NC’s Niraj Pun as his main contender in the race (kp 27/10/2017), Chances of Cong alliance with SSF-N, RJP-N slim: The parties likely to work to ensure victory for their ‘top leaders’ (kp 28/10/2017), NC not keen on democratic alliance, allege FSF-N, RJP-N, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 28/10/2017), FSF-N, RJP-N close to deal (ht 28/10/2017), Gear up for polls, Deuba to Tarun Dal (kp 28/10/2017), NC nominates a few more candidates (ht 28/10/2017), Left alliance likely to finalise seat sharing today, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 28/10/2017)

Parties commit to following poll code of conduct (ht 27/10/2017)

Offices of chief returning officers set up for December 7 polls (ht 27/10/2017)

SC orders separate ballots for two polls: Asks EC to present report on progress made since its earlier ruling; An election commissioner says polls not possible on November 26 if separate ballots were to be printed, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 26/10/2017), SC seeks progress info from EC on printing separate ballots (rep 26/10/2017), EC not to print separate FPTP ballot papers: Supreme Court orders commissioners of the poll panel to furnish clarification within three days, by Ram Kumar Kamat and Arjun Poudel (ht 26/10/2017), Court ruling on separate ballots raises concerns, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 27/10/2017), EC working on response to court (kp 27/10/2017), EC undecided on FPTP ballot papers, by Arjun Poudel (ht 27/10/2017), Respect SC order: The EC should be prepared to print separate ballot papers if the SC orders so as the apex court’s order is binding to all state organs (ht 27/10/2017), EC starts printing of FPTP ballot papers, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 28/10/2017), Views divided on EC’s decision (ht 28/10/2017)

EC toothless, complains Yadav: Yadav expresses his regret that the EC lacks authority to schedule or postpone elections or to make a financial decision (kp 26/10/2017)

How will we vote? Upcoming elections could be a referendum over inclusion of identity versus exclusion of nationality and nationalism, by Pramod Mishra (kp 26/10/2017)

100 candidates pull out of race: Election authority says 702 in the fray for Nov 26 vote; 40 candidates back off from federal elections and 60 from provincial polls (kp 26/10/2017), 705 in fray for Nov 26 elections (ht 26/10/2017), Dissidents of left alliance withdraw nominations (ht 26/10/2017)

NC, left alliance putting final touches on poll manifestos, by Sanjeev Giri and Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 26/10/2017), NLF faction to support Yadav’s SSFN (kp 26/10/2017), ERPP-R candidate withdraws from race to join Congress (kp 26/10/2017), Dahal seeks Devi Gyawali’s support in Chitwan, by Rewati Sapkota (ht 26/10/2017), UML withdraws from Manang where gangster Manange is contesting (ht 26/10/2017) [In accordance witth article 87 of the constitution one must ask why this man is allowed to be a candidate. This is another example for the connection between political parties and criminals!], UML withdraws candidate to make way for Manange (rep 26/10/2017), Left alliance allocates FPTP constituencies (ht 26/10/2017), NC, Madhes parties at odds over share of Province 2 seats (rep 26/10/2017)

Hustle And Bustle of Elections, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 26/10/2017)

Province 4 stakeholders want early voter education (kp 26/10/2017)

Poll Alliance For Stability, by Mukti Rijal (rn 26/10/2017)

First batch of European Union election observers arrives (kp 26/10/2017), European Union deploys election observation mission to Nepal (ht 27/10/2017)

Poll duty to deprive lakhs of right to vote: EC says it didn’t have time to issue voter IDs to govt staff on poll duty (ht 25/10/2017) [This means that the elections cannot be called free and fair!], Sheer negligence: If the EC was able to arrange for government employees to exercise their voting rights in the past why cannot it do the same this time? (ht 26/10/2017)

Rebel candidates give left alliance hard time: Parties’ calls to withdraw candidacy cut no ice with ‘dissatisfied leaders', by Sanjeev Giri (kp 25/10/2017) [And what about the dissatisfied women, Dalits, etc.?]

Left alliance puts Congress in a bind (ht 25/10/2017)

‘Ballot printing for PR system nearly over’ (kp 25/10/2017)

Parties leave out women, Dalits in candidate selection, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 24/10/2017) [Not even 5 per cent female candidates!!], Fair share of tickets a far cry for women: Three major parties field only nine women for Nov 26 polls, by Arjun Poudel (ht 24/10/2017), Two alliances field just 8 women under FPTP in first phase polls: Poll alliances, reluctance of women aspirants, cited for low female numbers, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 24/10/2017), Gender imbalance: The major political parties have given importance to male candidates for reasons, or rationale, beyond anybody’s comprehension (ht 24/10/2017)

EC yet to decide on types of ballot papers: Lawyers say Supreme Court order doesn’t have binding force, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 24/10/2017)

Poll alliances trigger dissent in districts, by Santosh Pokharel (rep 24/10/2017)

Private sector under pressure for donations (ht 24/10/2017) [These are extortions, not donations!],

Bibeksheel Sajha Party lays claim to limited constituencies (kp 24/10/2017)

Central level leaders contesting provincial assemblies: Most aspire for top posts, by Ashok Dahal (rep 24/10/2017)

Myadi job lures migrant workers, by Tularam Pandey (kp 24/10/2017), Over 46,000 apply for temporary police jobs in Province 1, by Siddha Raj Rai (rep 24/10/2017), Around 300,000 apply for Myadi jobs: Nepal Police to finalise names on Friday; Govt to deploy highest number of temporary security recruits in Province 2 (kp 26/10/2017)

Bijukchhe, Nidhi talk electoral alliance (ht 24/10/2017)

Most candidates register in Dolakha (ht 24/10/2017)

EC bars use of promotional materials (kp 23/10/2017)

Nominations for first phase polls in 32 district today (kp 22/10/2017), Nominations over for Phase I polls; Leaders: Successful candidacy filing augurs well for elections crucial for implementing the new constitution, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 23/10/2017), Parties field nominees for Phase 1 polls (kp 23/10/2017), Heavyweights in Nov 26 clash (kp 23/10/2017), Limited seats force heavyweights to face off each other, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 23/10/2017), Local leaders rebel against alliance candidates (rep 23/10/2017), Maoist Centre leaders, cadres in Jajarkot disappointed with alliance decision, by Janak KC (rep 23/10/2017), Bhattarai, Shrestha trade barbs, by Sudip Kaini (kp 24/10/2017)

Federal and provincial polls: NC working to finalise candidates for 1st phase (kp 20/10/2017), Left alliance close to dividing constituencies for leaders: UML picks FPTP contestants for 32 districts, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 20/10/2017), Maoist Centre to get ‘56’ fed House seats (kp 20/10/2017)

No change in election dates, reiterates poll governing body (kp 19/10/2017)

SC rules out interim order on separate ballots for two polls: There is no need to issue an interim order at a time when ballot papers for PR system have already been sent for printing, says SC, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 19/10/2017), EC to decide on apex court order today (ht 23/10/2017)

Fewer parties contesting elections under PR system: Compared to 122 ahead of CA polls, only 49 parties in fray, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/10/2017), 49 parties file closed list of PR candidates (ht 17/10/2017)

Parties submit lists of PR candidates: Major forces register names in haste, to revise lists within EC’s deadline; UML, Congress bigwigs to contest direct elections (kp 16/10/2017), Parties file closed lists of candidates, by Arjun Poudel (ht 16/10/2017), Eleventh-hour negotiations delay filing of candidacies (rep 16/10/2017), Top leaders throw in their hats for PR polls (ht 16/10/2017), Fielding of criminal figures in polls unleashes public ire: Who will contest from Manang if not Manange?: Oli, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 17/10/2017), 88kg gold smuggling: Congress PR candidate arrested; Police: Those held earlier named Man Bahadur Tamang as point person, by Manish Gautam (kp 17/10/2017), Serious differences emerge over PR nominations (rep 17/10/2017)

Threshold forcing fringe parties to go for mergers, alliances (rep 16/10/2017)

PM’s move violates poll code but won’t affect elections: EC (kp 15/10/2017), EC issues 27-point directive to government (ht 15/10/2017)

Bibeksheel Sajha Party names more candidates (kp 15/10/2017), Parties in Dang scrambling to pick candidates, by Durga Lal KC (kp 15/10/2017)

Aspirants knocking doors of central leaders, by Bhim Chapagain (rep 15/10/2017)

PR candidates’ closed lists to be submitted today (kp 15/10/2017)

Foreign bodies invited to observe polls: EC sends invitations to the election bodies in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 15/10/2017)

Expenditure limit for candidates up 150pc (kp 14/10/2017), Rs 2.5m poll expense limit for FPTP MP candidate; Politicians who had contested the recent local elections said the expenditure ceiling fixed by the EC on Friday was 'totally impractical', by Bhadra Sharma (rep 14/10/2017)

National Assembly election bill not listed in business schedule (ht 14/10/2017)

Lawmakers flouting poll code in Morang (ht 14/10/2017)

Report of panel probing 2013 CA poll silent about rigging (rep 14/10/2017)

7 journalists recommended as provincial poll candidates (kp 13/10/2017)

Security agencies told to ensure security for polls (ht 13/10/2017), Home Ministry rolls out election security plan (kp 14/10/2017)

Central leaders shun provincial poll tickets (ht 12/10/2017) [related to Province 6]

Election manifesto blues: For breakthroughs, by Dilli Raj Khanal (ht 12/10/2017)

Renu Dahal votes for UML in DCC election, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (rep 12/10/2017)

Vote transfer row halts National Assembly Election Bill, by Ashok Dahal (rep 12/10/2017)

Govt hiring 98,168 temporary cops, by Anup Ojha (kp 11/10/2017), Temporary cop vacancies announced (ht 11/10/2017), Mahottari police office overwhelmed (kp 13/10/2017)

EC prints 1.8m dummy PR ballot papers (ht 11/10/2017)

NC, UML pick candidates in Manang (kp 11/10/2017), Three major parties recommend election candidates in Morang (ht 11/10/2017), Pre-poll alliances make fielding candidates tough for parties, by Raju Adhikari (rep 11/10/2017)

MoGA warns civil servants against contesting polls (ht 10/10/2017) [To prevent members of special vocational groups from candidating in elections is a grave violation of equal fundamental rights!]

Writ petition filed against EC over PR cluster criteria (ht 10/10/2017)

EC registers highest number of voters in Morang district (ht 10/10/2017)

'Too many old faces may dampen voter zeal', by Bhim Chapagain (rep 10/10/2017)

Election officers to be stationed in district HQs (kp 09/10/2017)

Election staffers stage protest, demand pay (ht 09/10/2017)

EC pushing for STV system, says Ila Sharma (ht 09/10/2017)

Election bill for president, vice-president passed (ht 09/10/2017)

EC holds orientation for political parties (ht 08/10/2017)

CEC Yadav warns of scraping candidacy of poll code violators (rep 08/10/2017)

Many aspirants for chief minister in Province 4, by Santosh Pokharel (rep 08/10/2017)

Old faces to dominate parliamentary, provincial polls nomination (rep 08/10/2017)

EC harbours poll deferral fears (kp 07/10/2017)

Political parties in Pokhara struggle to pick candidates, by Santosh Pokharel (rep 07/10/2017)

EC asks Dev, Pokhrel to furnish clarification: Dev has been summoned for transferring Caan chief while Pokhrel is under scanner for taking part in NC’s political programmes (kp 06/10/2017), EC seeks clarifications from NRA chief (rep 06/10/2017)

EC appoints poll officers for all 165 constituencies (rep 05/10/2017)

Election funding: Many loopholes; Our electoral laws should reflect the realities of Nepali society rather than some hoped for ideal, by Sanjaya Mahato (rep 04/10/2017)

EC makes public details of constituencies (ht 04/10/2017)

CEC stresses on flawless ballot paper printing (kp 04/10/2017)

EC updates voters’ roll to 15.4 million (kp 04/10/2017)

Upcoming polls simpler than local level elections: EC (ht 03/10/2017)

SSF-N claims Birgunj top seat (kp 28/09/2017), EC fails to meet vote count target: Task crosses 5-day deadline; Rajbiraj results delayed by late polling (kp 28/09/2017), Election results of all 136 local levels in Province 2 delivered (ht 28/09/2017)

Major party leaders campaign in Chitwan, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp 27/09/2017), EC allows Carter Centre to observe elections (ht 27/09/2017)

Halted vote counting yet to resume in Kalaiya Sub-metropolitan City (ht 27/09/2017), Surya Narayan saving grace for NSN in Province 2 (ht 27/09/2017)

Sluggish vote count in Rajbiraj (ht 26/09/2017)

RJP-N wins in Janakpur: Newly united force claims the ruling Congress party’s traditional bastion, by Shyam Sundar Shashi and Santosh Singh (kp 25/09/2017), Rajbiraj Municipality still waiting for election results (ht 25/09/2017)

Expediture on poll campaigns: Most candidates yet to furnish details: EC, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/09/2017)

‘Four types of ballot paper needed’ (ht 24/09/2017), RJP objects to same ballot paper for two polls: But Election Commission clarifies ballot papers cannot be changed (kp 25/09/2017)

Madhes-based parties give tough fight to Congress in Saptari (ht 24/09/2017), UML faces crushing defeat in Rautahat (ht 24/09/2017), FSF-N wins most top seats in Parsa (ht 24/09/2017)

EC finalises ballot paper design for PR system (kp 23/09/2017), EC invites Carter for polls (kp 23/09/2017)

Money, power had role in candidate selection: Ex-prez (kp 23/09/2017), Election system should be changed: Dahal (kp 23/09/2017)

UML’s Oli urges party cadres to keep calm (kp 23/09/2017)

Major parties gear up for provincial, federal polls, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 22/09/2017)

Learning Lessons Electoral Way, by Narad Bharadwaj (rn 22/09/2017), RJP-N, SSF-N putting up good showing: Congress maintains lead, Maoist Centre following (kp 22/09/2017), 50-year-old man dies in Rautahat clash, by Pawan Yadav (kp 22/09/2017), Rina Kumari Sah elected first female mayor of Province 2, by Shiva Puri (kp 22/09/2017)

EC calls parties to hold back tea reception (kp 21/09/2017)

Election Anomalies (rn 21/09/2017), RJP-N registers first win, Congress maintains lead: CPN (Maoist Centre) opens account; Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-N ahead of CPN-UML; RJP-N’s good showing despite internal disputes ahead of the elections is due to its stance on constitutional issues, analysts say (kp 21/09/2017), Int’l community lauds Nepalis for local polls (kp 21/09/2017), 3 major political parties continue to obstruct vote counting in Baragadhi; NC, Maoist Centre and UML demand re-election for Baragadhi Rural Municipality ward 6 (kp 21/09/2017), Election reflection: Early indications from third phase of local polls show a differing trend to the first two phases (kp 21/09/2017), EC to increase teams to speed up vote counting (ht 21/09/2017), Vote count disrupted over row (ht 21/09/2017)

Party reps kept at bay as vote count begins: Officials say tight security in place to avoid re-run of Bharatpur-19 fiasco (kp 20/09/2017), EC revises Province 2 voter turnout to 77 pc: es of local level polls (kp 20/09/2017), At 77 percent, Province 2 tops in voter turnout (rep 20/09/2017), Overwhelming voter turnout in Madhes shows their desperation to vote, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep 20/09/2017), Major parties open their account in Province 2 (ht 20/09/2017), Disputes halt counting at places (ht 20/09/2017), Peaceful polls: The elected officials at the local level can serve the people better than bureaucrats as they are acquainted with local needs (ht 20/09/2017), The pain of being disallowed to vote, by Suresh Yadav (rep 20/09/2017)

Pre-election vibrations: Rajbiraj saw a high level of security presence due to its image as a political hot spot, by Sujeet Karn and Sangita Thebe Limbu

People vote in Province 2 with fervour: EC’s early estimates put voter turnout at 73 percent (kp 19/09/2017), High women participation, by Bhusan Yadav (kp 19/09/2017), Extra caution in Rautahat to prevent Bharatpur-type incident, by Madan Thakur (rep 19/09/2017), Bad weather fails to dampen Birgunj voters' spirit, by Ritesh Tripathi (rep 19/09/2017)

Major parties agree on two ballot papers for provincial, parliamentary elections (ht 19/09/2017)

Race to the end: Lawmakers yet to pass important legislation, even as Dasain will make Parliament inactive (kp 18/09/2017)

CPN-MC selects candidates in Jajarkot for HoR, PA elections (ht 18/09/2017)

Province 2 votes today: Chief Election Commissioner Yadav requests people to ‘give one day for the nation', by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 18/09/2017), Final phase of local level elections today, by Arjun Poudel (ht), Invalid vote concerns: Invalid votes in the eight Tarai districts were higher than elsewhere during the two Constituent Assembly elections held in 2008 and 2013, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 18/09/2017), NC, UML cadres clash (kp 18/09/2017)

Stage all set for local elections in Province 2: No violent clashes reported in run-up to vote: Officials, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/09/2017), Border sealed for tomorrow’s election: Cross-border crimes deemed major threat (kp 17/09/2017), Election code breach ‘rampant’ (kp 17/09/2017), Voter education ‘ineffective’ in Bara district, by Laxmi Sah (kp 17/09/2017), Voters can cast votes using citizenship certificate (ht 17/09/2017)

Rainfall likely on election day: MFD (kp 16/09/207)

EC proposes Rs 1.4m expenditure ceiling for FPTP candidates, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 15/09/2017)

MP’s vote to be equivalent to 79 votes: Bills on presidential, national assembly polls registered (ht 15/09/2017), Civic body chief’s vote to have a weightage of 18 (ht 15/09/2017)

Hope from polls in poor’s camp, by Pawan Yadav (kp 15/09/2017), ‘Heightened’ security for elections (kp 15/09/2017), Silence period begins at midnight tonight (kp 15/09/2017), Political parties ready for election day (ht 15/09/2017), Madhes-based forces in shadow in Siraha (ht 15/09/2017), Voting to heal past wounds: Local elections in Province 2 bring together candidates and voters from hills and plains, by Julia Thomas (nt 15/09/2017), The Battle for Birganj:
Birganj is a microcosm of everything traditionally associated with elections: money, muscle and betrayal, by Rameshwar Bohara (nt 15/09/2017), Last but not the least (nt 15/09/2017)

How Nepal has voted: Fair competition enables members of the janajati populace to rise to leadership positions, by Krishna Prasad Upadhyaya and Krishna Prasad Sharma (kp 14/09/2017)

Projects for lawmakers: Incumbent MPs may have ‘unfair’ advantage; EC says ‘hands tied’ over projects under constituency development and infrastructure programmes, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 14/09/2017), Cabinet expansion violates poll code, but can’t do anything: CEC Yadav (kp 14/09/2017), 7 parties told to stop poll code violation (kp 14/09/2017), Parties violating election code of conduct in Rautahat, by Madan Thakur (rep 14/09/2017), Overkill: Excessive security personnel in Tarai during Province 2 polls could do more harm than good (kp 14/09/2017), Children used in PM’s election assembly: EC (ht 14/09/2017), EC to issue voter ID card from Sept 15-17 in Province 2 (ht 14/09/2017), Musahars ask for citizenship with candidates seeking votes, by Mahesh Kumar Das (rep 14/09/2017)

Bill on National Assembly members registered: The bill has proposed the first-past-the-post Bloc Voting Electoral System - similar to the one adopted for the local level elections - to elect members of the National Assembly, by Binod Ghimire (kp 14/09/2017), 2.66 local unit votes equal 1 provincial assembly vote, by Ashok Dahal (rep 14/09/2017)

UML caught in 2 minds over Oli’s Tarai poll drive: The party secretariat, how-ever, says the preparations were under way to hold mass events in the region, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 14/09/2017)

Election code violation: EC asks deputy Speaker, NTV chief to clarify (kp 13/09/2017), Tarechauri folk rally behind one of their own, by Rabindra Uprety (kp 13/09/2017), Poll campaigning in full swing (ht 13/09/2017), Rift in RJPN hits poll campaigns (rep 13/09/2017), Flood victims unimpressed by candidates’ tall promises, by Jitendra Kumar Jha (rep 13/09/2017), Selling dreams to buy votes, by Madan Thakur (rep 13/09/2017)

Calendar for two major polls unveiled (kp 12/09/2017), Federal, provincial polls: 88 parties listed for PR election (kp 13/09/2017)

Flood survivors join poll campaign, by Dipendra Baduwal and Pawan Yadav (kp 12/09/2017), Schools to close for five days (kp 12/09/2017), UML has lost moral ground to seek votes, says Yadav (ht 12/09/2017), Even candidates don't know how to vote!, by Balkrishna Adhikari and Suresh Yadav (rep 12/09/2017), Polls have become costlier: Candidates , by Bal Krishna Adhikari and Mahesh Kumar Das (rep 12/09/2017), Dalits in Saptari disappointed over election ticket snub: 'Political parties have taken us only as vote banks', by Jitendra Kumar Jha (rep 12/09/2017)

The state of the race: Holding elections without addressing concerns is not sufficient to placate the population in the Tarai (kp 11/09/2017), Election code violation rampant (ht 11/09/2017), Daily wage earners to snub candidates favouring bandhs, by Byashsankar Upadhyay (ht 11/09/2017), Province 2 polls a litmus test for Madhes parties, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 11/09/2017)

EC demands 195 judicial staffers for elections (kp 11/09/2017)

3 major parties intensify campaigns in Province 2: While Maoist Centre Chairman Dahal is already in the plains, NC President and PM Deuba and UML Chairman Oli are set to address rallies starting this week, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 11/09/2017)

Province 2 Poll: Litmus Test For Madhesi Parties, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 10/09/2017), RJP-Nepal views NC as its main competitor (kp 10/09/2017), Election officials step up monitoring of code violation (kp 10/09/2017), EC asks Gachhadar, State Min Pun to clarify code violations (kp 10/09/2017), EC seeks clarification from DPM, mayoral candidate and NC minister (ht 10/09/2017), 68,000 personnel on the ground for security (kp 10/09/2017), No budget allocation for local polls in Province 2 (kp 10/09/2017), Candidates get election symbols (ht 10/09/2017), 109 polling centres declared highly sensitive (ht 10/09/2017), Poll campaigning stepped up (ht 10/09/2017), Big parties figure large in Janakpur polls, by Balkrishna Adhikari and Suresh Yadav (rep 10/09/2017)

EC directs ministry to set up DCCs (ht 10/09/2017)

Foreign firms invited to enlist for poll observation: EC says presence of international observers adds to the credibility of elections (kp 10/09/2017), EC invites int'l observers for province, parliament polls (rep 10/09/2017)

Federal and provincial elections: EC’s plan to publish poll schedule put off; The poll body, however, has asked parties to inform it by Tuesday about the places from where they want to contest elections (kp)

Poll code affecting relief works, Deuba tells EC: Code of conduct for federal and provincial elections—to be held on Nov 26 and Dec 7— has been in place since August 30 (kp 09/09/2017) [???]

Charter revision on parties’ poll agenda (kp 09/09/2017), 5,686 contesting for 856 posts in Saptari (ht 09/09/2017), Many party-switchers in Mahottari, by Mahesh Kumar Das (rep 09/09/2017), Rampant breach of election code of conduct in Mahottari (rep 09/09/2017)

PM urges Election Commission to allow political parties to file FPTP nominations first (ht 09/09/2017)

Candidate pressured to withdraw nomination (ht 09/09/2017)

EC allots election symbols to 91 parties (ht 08/09/2017) [for national and provincial elections]

RJP-N manifesto lashes out at Maoist Centre (kp 08/09/2017), Campaign costs ‘hefty’ in Birgunj, by Bhusan Yadav (kp 08/09/2017), Bibeksheel Sajha Party going slow on Phase 3 polls (kp 08/09/2017), 36,073 candidates vying for 6,627 posts in province no 2: EC (ht 08/09/2017), Parties ignore martyrs' families in candidacy registration, by Jitendra Kumar Jha (rep 08/09/2017), Trading tears for votes: A bullet killed her son. Now she is turning to the ballot for justice, not just for herself but for everyone in the community, by Jiyalal Sah (nt 08/09/2017)

Candidates register nominations (kp 07/09/2017), Over 18,000 file papers for Sept 18 polls (ht 07/09/2017), Parties use children in election rallies in Rautahat district (kp 07/09/2017), RJP-N leader quits party to become Mayor candidate of Maoist centre (kp 07/09/2017), Martyr’s sibling files independent candidacy (ht 07/09/2017), Leaders, cadres of various political parties clash over election tickets (ht 07/09/2017)

EC to seek Rs 10.27bn for Nov, Dec polls (ht 06/09/2017)

RJPN fails to finalize candidates for 22 local units (rep 06/09/2017)

Nominations for Province 2 polls today (kp 06/09/2017), NC, Maoist Centre working on alliance (kp 06/09/2017)

Sarlahi’s rural voters don’t know how to vote, by Aman Koirala (kp 06/09/2017)

House endorses two election-related bills, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/09/2017) [SC decisions are once again not of any interest for politicians!!], Poll bills clear parliament after amendment dropped, by Ashok Dahal (rep 05/09/2017), Muted voices: Ideas such as ‘right to no vote’ should have been discussed before lawmakers dropped them (kp 06/09/2017)

Two EC secretaries changed in five days, by Arjun Poudel (ht 05/09/2017) [????]

Parties start canvassing in Siraha (ht 05/09/2017), Election code violation rampant in Birgunj (ht 05/09/2017), Parties throw lavish feasts to woo voters, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep 05/06/2017)

Janak Shiksha needs ‘45 days’ to print 34 million ballotsThere was concern if the JSSK will be able to print so many ballot papers as it had taken around 45 days to print 16 million ballots for the local polls (kp 04/09/2017)

Big III not forging alliance from centre: However, they will welcome such alliances if they are made by local committees (ht 04/09/2017)

Govt and EC at odds over ‘early’ election code (kp 03/09/2017), Right to recall unlikely in new election bill, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 03/09/2017), Not now: Right to recall provision would likely lead to a spate of recall moves one or two years after the election, and it would not do good to anybody (ht 04/09/2017)

Defection rife among disgruntled party leaders (ht 03/09/2017)

Security stepped up for phase III civic polls (ht 03/09/2017)

Nepali Congress, CPN-UML finalise candidates in Siraha (ht 03/09/2017)

Third phase local polls: Parties struggle to pick their candidates for Dhanusha (kp 03/09/2017)

CEC warns against poll code violation (kp 02/09/2017), Election code violation: Govt orders transfer of over 400 staffers; Poll panel to direct it to rescind its decision, by Arjun Poudel (ht 02/09/2017), Ministry halts employee transfers (ht 03/09/2017)

Oppn MPs accuse NC of delaying poll bills (kp 02/09/2017)

EC to seek Rs 10b for province, parliament polls, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 02/09/2017)

EC divides districts for two phases of elections (kp 01/09/2017)

Right to vote: Ensure accessible polling booths so that persons with disabilities are not disenfranchised, by Pragya Lamsal (kp 01/09/2017)

Rs 2 billion sought for phase III local polls, by Bal Krishna Adhikari (rep 01/09/2017)

Election code of conduct comes into effect (ht 31/08/2017)

CDC submits its report with 165 electoral constituencies: Move takes the country one more step towards the implementation of the constitution, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 31/08/2017), CDC creates 495 constituencies (ht 31/08/2017), 3,578 polling centers for phase III local polls (rep 31/08/2017), Important step: Some districts seem to be over or under-represented because of differences in population distribution (ht 01/09/2017)

Govt decides to hold polls in two phases: First round on Nov 26, second on Dec 7 (kp 31/08/2017), Govt decision to hold polls in 2 phases irks UML, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 31/08/2017)

Parties wooing Madhesi voters (ht 31/08/2017), Nepal slams Madhes-based parties (ht 31/08/2017), ‘NC-Maoist alliance frustrated after defeat in first and second civic polls’ (ht 31/08/2017)

EC says better to hold polls in two phases: Cites logistics management and weather conditions among others, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 30/08/2017), EC preparing for two-phase provincial, parliamentary polls: If it has its way, the second phase may be held on December 7 or 12 (ht 30/08/2017)

No time to lose: CDC’s report is almost complete, now lawmakers and govt must help EC complete polls (kp 30/08/2017)

Over 1.5m added to voter list (ht 30/08/2017)

Delay in candidate selection hits parties' poll campaigns (rep 30/08/2017)

Aspirants involved in election publicity campaign in Rajbiraj (ht 30/08/2017)

3rd phase local polls: EC says 1.8m voter IDs to be reprinted (kp 29/08/2017)

Parties eyeing for electoral alliance as polls in Province 2 approach (rep 29/08/2017)

Parties in race to pick poll candidates (kp 28/08/2017) [Obviously, the central leaders of the parties once again decide on the local candidates! This is the opposite of democracy and local participation!!]

EC setting up offices in local units of Province 2 (kp 28/08/2017)

Registered at EC, RJP-N seeks ‘umbrella’ for fed, provincial polls (kp 27/08/2017)

Parties asked to list nominating officials (kp 26/08/2017)

Time bound: To hold elections in a single phase, govt should prioritise crucial electoral legislation (kp 24/08/2017), Chances of early poll acts slim (kp 25/08/2017)

More than 1.3 million new voters registered (ht 25/08/2017)

Fix roads before polls: EC to govt (kp 24/08/2017)

Morang has 81,862 new voters (ht 23/08/2017), 20,000 new voters added in Palpa, by Mukti Prasad Nyaupane (rep 23/08/2017)

EC suggests govt to hold elections separately (kp 23/08/2017)

Not my candidate: The right to reject all candidates during elections is essential in a participatory democracy, by Saurav Karki (kp 22/08/2017) [This is especially important under the system of nepotism that is prevalent in all Nepalese parties!!]

EC investigates into Budhanilkantha voter registration dispute (kp 21/08/2017)

Over 1 million new voters registered (kp 20/08/2017)

Close schools in Province 2 for a week: EC (ht 19/08/2017) [Why for a week?????]

EC says difficult to hold two major polls together (kp 17/08/2017), Both polls to be held together most likely on November 20: Govt preparing to announce date by Sunday after consulting with EC, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 18/08/2017), EC, parties agree to hold provincial, parliamentary elections by Nov 23 (rep 18/08/2017)

EC bars political leaders from distributing relief items in Province 2 (rep 18/08/2017)

Cabinet extends CDC’s tenure by 15 days: CDC officials say their work was affected by the SC’s ruling last week that cleared way for adding new federal units in Province 2 (kp 16/08/2017)

EC asks govt to announce date for polls immediately (ht 16/08/2017)

Keep on voting: Election season is in full swing, and archaic practices and laws need to be reformed, by Krishna Man Pradhan (kp 15/08/2017)

Govt to EC: Give RJP-N single election symbol (kp 14/08/2017)

Election authority writes to govt to purchase EVMs, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 13/08/2017)

Vote of confidence: The Election Commission should be strengthened to make it a bulwark of democracy, by Bishnu Hari Marasini (kp 11/08/2017)

Fix a date, by Rameshwar Bohara (nt 11/08/2017)

Election Commission’s central office also registering voters (ht 10/08/2017)

Constituency Delineation Concerns, by Mukti Rijal (rn 10/08/2017)

Prepare for both polls together, Deuba tells EC: Election officials ask govt to fix dates by August 17 (kp 08/08/2017), Hold provincial, parliamentary polls together, PM tells EC: Poll panel pitches for use of EVMs (ht 09/08/2017), EC asks govt to announce date for elections pronto (ht 09/08/2017)

Renu Dahal turns the tables on Devi Gyawali: Wins the mayoral race securing 43,127 votes against her rival’s 42,924 (kp 06/08/2017), Renu’s victory fails to impress Maoist leaders (kp 07/08/2017), Maoist, NC take out victory rally in Bharatpur, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp 07/08/2017)

UML won most seats with vote share like NC’s, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 06/08/2017)

Local poll losses trigger blam game in NC, UML, by Sher Bahadur KC (rep 06/08/2017)

Province 2 Election: Stage Set For One-upmanship, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 06/08/2017)

Voters’ education programme: EC to launch campaign in Province 2 on August 17 (kp 06/08/2017)

75.58pc voter turnout in Bharatpur-19 (kp 05/08/2017)

Out-district voter registration very high in Valley: EC (ht 05/08/2017)

Constituency delimitation: So much to do, only a few days in hand; CDC, which has 2 weeks, is yet to fix basis for carving out constituencies (kp 04/08/2017), ‘Gerrymandering’ warned (kp 04/08/2017), CEC Yadav advises CDC on delineation: Says don’t overlap rural municipalities and division of wards (ht 05/08/2017), CDC to expedite report writing (ht 05/08/2017), CDC weighing delineation models (ht 06/08/2017)

CEC: Logistical issues if two polls held together (kp 04/08/2017)

MPs demand 55 FPTP seats for women (ht 04/08/2017)

Lawmakers for letting EC decide poll dates (kp 03/08/2017)

EC’s voter registration boosts citizenship applicant numbers, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 03/08/2017)

All demands can’t be fulfilled, says CDC (ht 03/08/2017)

EC to request govt to purchase EVMs (rep 02/08/2017)

Major parties gear up for Phase 3 poll (kp 01/08/2017), Dahal for alliance with Madhesi parties (kp 01/08/2017)

Court upholds EC’s re-polling decision, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 31/07/2017), Bharatpur poll officer told to hold re-election in Ward 19 at the earliest (kp 01/08/2017), Conduct repoll in Bharatpur-19 as soon as possible: Election panel (ht 01/08/2017), Bharatpur mayoral candidate’s son held (ht 03/08/2017), Ensure fair re-polling in Bharatpur-19, says EC (ht 03/08/2017)

CEC Yadav sees logistical hurdles in holding two elections together (kp 31/07/2017), Price of polls: PM and EC should make all efforts to hold provincial and general polls in one go if it’s politically feasible (kp 31/07/2017)

Voters’ registration at local levels from today (kp 31/07/2017)

Call to form 3 constituencies in Banke (kp 30/07/2017), CDC collects suggestions in Pokhara (ht 30/07/2017), Constituency delimitation: Parties remain at odds over bases (kp 31/07/2017), CDC urged to give more weightage to population (ht 31/07/2017), ‘Stress geography for poll constituencies’ (ht 01/08/2017), Parties lay stress on population (kp 02/08/2017)

EC tells parties to enroll for upcoming polls: Asks parties to enroll by Aug 27 (rep 30/07/2017)

MPs for banning candidates for 10 yrs for involvement in tearing ballot papers (rep 30/07/2017)

Parliament to send election related bills to House panel, by Rupesh Acharya (ht 30/07/2017)

EC mulling single ballot paper for FPTP, PR: Plans to propose the idea if provincial and federal polls are held together; What the poll body is planning, however, has drawn mixed reactions, with some saying it will avoid confusion among voters and others saying it limits people’s choice, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 29/07/2017), Govt preparing to hold 2 major polls together: Says it will save money, ensure country does not miss Jan 21 deadline, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 30/07/2017)

NEFIN for ensuring proportional representation in all elections: After consulting with indigenous lawmakers from several parties, NEFIN drafts amendment proposals to the election bills (kp 28/07/2017)

‘Two levels of polls possible at one go’: For this the FPTP and PR votes should also be counted simultaneously: EC (ht 28/07/2017)

Apex court verdict deferred for 10th time (rep 28/07/2017) [This smells of political undermining of jurisdiction!]

EC to discuss use of EVMs with parties (kp 27/07/2017)

More than 4 million votes cast in phase II civic polls invalid: EC (ht 27/07/2017) [How can these elections be called fair and democratic??]

Recovering the expenses: High election campaign costs provide legitimacy to political corruption, by Sanjaya Mahato (kp 27/07/2017)

Voter registration pulling crowds, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 26/07/2017), Tikapur sees rise in number of people seeking citizenship certificates, by Yogesh Rawal (rep 26/07/2017)

Pressure builds within RJPN for poll participation (rep 26/07/2017)

Petitioners plead against poll panel’s decision to order re-polling, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 24/07/2017), Bharatpur fracas: AG challenges petitioners’ right to move SC, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 25/07/2017)

Right to reject sought in new election bill (ht 24/07/2017)

Time constraint may affect EC's EVM plan (rep 24/07/2017)

Flawed Analysis Of Poll Results, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 23/07/2017)

Carter Center renews call for poll observation (kp 23/07/2017)

EC expert panel suggests Indian EVMs for upcoming elections, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 23/07/2017)

Govt forms CDC under former SC justice Das: Gives 21 days to carve out constituencies for national, provincial polls; After receiving CDC’s report, the government will send it to Parliament, which then will forward it to the Election Commission (kp 21/07/2017), Race against time: The Constituency Delineation Commission should be allowed to function independently (kp 21/07/2017), Govt yet to contact CDC chairperson, members (ht 22/07/2017)

Phase III local poll calendar published (kp 21/07/2017), India-made EVMs capable of including all parties: EC team; Officials fear time constraint for using voting machines during upcoming provincial, federal polls, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 21/07/2017), Bills for federal and provincial polls tabled (kp 21/07/2017), Candidacy nominations for Province 2 polls on Sept 6 (rep 21/07/2017)

Metro without mayor: "Maoists did not just tear up ballot papers, but attacked democracy as well", by Om Astha Rai (nt 21/07/2017))

CROs entrusted with holding DCC elections (ht 20/07/2017)

High invalid vote despite Rs 750m spent on voter education, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 20/07/2017)

Elected local reps of Bharatpur unable to work: With vote counting in wards no. 19 and 20 stalled, those who won elections haven't been sworn in (ht 20/07/2017)

All in the same vote: To make the third phase of local polls a success, big parties should go to the interior of Province 2, by Deepak Chaudhary (kp 19/07/2017)

After pressure, EC to go to local level for voter listing (kp 19/07/2017), Rs1.7 billion sought for 3rd phase vote (kp 19/07/2017), Voter registration picks pace in Kaski (ht 19/07/2017)

EC may extend voter-registration deadline: Poll panel likely to allow out-district registration as well, by Arjun Poudel (ht 18/07/2017)

Fringe parties take strong exception to proposal to retain 240 units (rep 18/07/2017)

Why CPN-MC Had A Poor Performance, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn 17/07/2017)

Morang voter education campaign ineffective (ht 17/07/2017), EC begins nationwide voter registration campaign (rep 17/07/2017), EC re-urges PM to clear legal, administrative hurdles without further delay (rep 17/07/2017)

PM asks EC to gear up for state, fed polls: Promises Constituency Delimitation Commission ‘within a week or two’ (kp 17/07/2017)

Provincial, national polls: Revised bills could affect women’s representation, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 16/07/2017)

Six parties registered with EC (kp 16/07/2017)

EC pressed for wider voter listing (kp 15/07/2017), Elected representatives yet to submit their expenditure detail, by Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep 15/07/2017), 396 candidates of Rasuwa yet to submit election expenditure, by Bhagwati Lama (rep 15/07/2017), Concerns over upcoming polls as govt misses EC's deadline (rep 15/07/2017)

Why UML Won Local Elections, by Narad Bharadwaj (rn 14/07/2017), Nepali Congress to hear from Province 2 leaders ahead of polls: Party to assess its position in the eight Tarai districts to devise a strategy for the third phase of local polls (kp 14/07/2017)

Parties call for extending voter roll update duration: Seek at least a month, saying 15-day window not enough; As per the EC calendar, people can register their names, correct mistakes on the existing list and remove double registration from July 16-30 (kp 13/07/2017)

Election expenditure details sought from parties, candidates: Political parties, candidates and elected representatives have to furnish details of poll expenses in 30 days (ht 13/07/2017), 1,178 candidates forfeit deposit after failing to secure 10 pc votes (ht 13/07/2017)

Election bills: Candidates to be barred from race in more than one constituency (kp 12/07/2017), 334 candidates lose security deposit (ht 12/07/2017), UML gives relief materials to flood victims in Rajbiraj (ht 12/07/2017)

CDC delay likely to hit poll cycle: EC seeks constituency delimitation report by the end of this month, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 11/07/2017), Delayed polls to hinder dev works in Province 2, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 11/07/2017), Bharatpur ballot case: Hearing deferred for third time; To be heard on July 17 (kp 11/07/2017) [Political reasons??], EC takes action against poll observers (ht 11/07/2017), Temporary police of Province 2 sent off before phase III polls (ht 11/07/2017), 21 pc votes invalid in Biratnagar Metropolitan City (ht 11/07/2017)

Nepali Congress asserts supremacy in Biratnagar (kp 10/07/2017), RJP-N not to get election symbol of its choice (kp 10/07/2017), EC refuses to provide new election symbol to RJPN (rep 10/07/2017), Endangered Baramu folk win 14 seats (kp 10/07/2017), 11 parties in registration process for upcoming elections (kp 10/07/2017), Frequent poll deferrals cost Rs 4 billion, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 10/07/2017)

Hearing on Bharatpur ballot row on Monday (kp 08/07/2017), EC keen to use EVMs in upcoming polls (ht 08/07/2017), Nripa Bahadur Od: The first dalit mayor of a sub-metropolis, by Dil Bahadur Chhantyal (rep 09/07/2017), Ex-teachers elected in various posts in rural municipalities (rep 09/07/2017)

UML makes most of elections, leaves NC to lick its wounds: Party managed to sell its agenda well even in Tarai districts, say experts, by Binod Ghimire (kp 07/07/2017), Election results of Dharan Sub-metropolis likely in a week (ht 07/07/2017), Election fervor returns as RJPN mulling to register party, by Ritesh Tripathi (rep 07/07/2017), Former MPs soundly defeated in mayoral races, by Devendra Basnet (rep 07/07/2017), Big parties lose traditional strongholds in Jhapa, by Raju Adhikari (rep 07/07/2017)

Not disappointed with poll results: Bibeksheel, Sajha: Parties admit lack of organisational base (kp 06/07/2017), Uncertainty persists over stalled vote count in Dharan (kp 06/07/2017), The long road: The dominance of major parties might bring some political stability, but it has its pitfalls (kp 06/07/2017), Election results of 13 local units in Morang declared; NC takes lead (ht 06/07/2017), 358 forfeit poll security deposit in Dhankuta (ht 06/07/2017), 15 per cent votes invalid in Biratnagar (ht 06/07/2017), Flood victims untouched by election excitement, by Sher Bahadur KC (rep 06/07/2017), RJPN candidate wins elections, by Kiran Man Bajracharya (rep 06/07/2017), Internal feuds cost parties their traditional strongholds, by Bhim Chapagain (rep 06/07/2017)

EC wants poll dates by first week of August (kp 05/07/2017), EC asks govt to give laws and fix polls date (ht 05/07/2017)

20 per cent votes cast in KMC invalid (ht 05/07/2017) [Such percentage calls the local elections into question!!]

Independent candidate wins mayoral race (kp 05/07/2017), RPP’s Rana elected mayor of Nepalgunj (ht 05/07/2017), When luck comes into play in elections (ht 05/07/2017) [Elections must not be a lottery! There should be a run-off ballot in such cases!], CPN-Maoist Centre wins Bhajani, Kailali (ht 05/07/2017), UML internal rifts lose it stronghold to NC, by Ajit Tiwari (rep 05/07/2017), CPN-UML bites dust in its own strongholds, by Ajit Tiwari (rep), Parties losing traditional strongholds in Province 5, 7, by Kalendra Sejuwal (rep 05/07/2017), Strike affects normal life in Rolpa, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 05/07/2017)

Preferred Political Forces, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 05/07/2017)

What The Local Elections Say, by Prem Khatry (rn 04/07/2017), Fringe parties limited to handful wins (kp 04/07/2017), Muslim woman elected vice-chair (kp 04/07/2017), UML wins Ghorahi Sub-metropolis (ht 04/07/2017), Independent candidates faring badly in Biratnagar Metropolis (ht 04/07/2017), Parties file complaint seeking re-poll (ht 04/07/2017), 85 forfeit poll security deposit (ht 04/07/2017), Nationalist stand, weak NC leadership helped UML in polls, by Ashok Dahal (rep 04/07/2017), Gachchhadar, Yadav maintain influence in their regions, by Amar Khadka (rep 04/07/2017), Poll results bring joy to some and tears to others, by Sher Bahadur KC (rep 04/07/2017)

EC forms panel to complete all polls by Nov-end (ht 03/07/2017)

EC again proposes buying EVMs: This time from India, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 03/07/2017)

Third-phase elections: Too many invalid votes, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht 03/07/2017)

Congress ‘weakened’ in Deuba’s home district, by DR Panta and Mohan Budhair (kp 03/07/2017), UML wins most hill districts of Province 1 (ht 03/07/2017), Dhangadi Sub-metropolis records very high number of invalid votes, by Tekendra Deuba (ht 03/07/2017), Small margins making all the difference (ht 03/07/2017), Vote count too slow in Biratnagar Metropolis (ht 03/07/2017), Four Dadeldhura journos win top civic posts (ht 03/07/2017), UML buoyed, NC-Maoists upset with poll results, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 03/07/2017), Is Maoist Center bound to confine to rural areas?, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 03/07/2017), UML wins in all 7 local units of Dhankuta, by Siddha Raj Rai (rep 03/07/2017), Other parties making in-roads into Maoist stronghold Rolpa, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 03/07/2017), Mother defeats daughter in elections (rep 03/07/2017), NC wins in CPN-UML stronghold Rampur, by Himal Lamsal (rep 03/07/2017)

Parliament and Provincial Assembly elections not possible in single phase: CEC Yadav (ht 02/07/2017)

2nd Phase Of Local Poll: People Dump Extremist Forces, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 02/07/2017)

UML maintains lead in sub-metropolises: NC ahead in Biratnagar, Rastriya Prajatantra Party in Nepalgunj (kp 02/07/2017), Nepali Congress leading poll race in Province 7 (ht 02/07/2017), CPN-MC ahead in Province 5 (ht 02/07/2017), CPN-UML wins in 25 local levels in Province 1 (ht 02/07/2017), 105 votes invalid, woman loses by 5, by Thakur Singh Tharu (kp 02/07/2017), Sluggish pace of vote counting in Dhangadi Sub-Metropolis irks residents (ht 02/07/2017), Is UML emerging as largest party in local poll? (rep 02/07/2017), Polls performance of fringe parties continue to go from bad to worse (rep 02/07/2017), Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum dominant in Tikapur: Tharus' vote dominant in Tikapur, by Yogesh Rawal (rep 02/07/2017), Biratnagar's electoral alliances in crisis, by Ajit Tiwari (rep 02/07/2017), EC to accept only ballots sealed in ballot boxes: Vote counting has been affected at some local units due to differences among parties (rep 02/07/2017), Voters not ready to change their mindset, by Rohit Rai (rep 02/07/2017)

EC proposes holding all elections by Nov 23 (kp 01/07/2017), EC moots deadlines for provincial, central polls, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 91/07/2017), Hold provincial, parliamentary polls before December: EC (ht 01/07/2017), Parliament and Provincial Assembly elections not possible in single phase: CEC Yadav (ht 01/07/2017)

UML, NC in tight race, Maoists distant third: The main opposition is ahead in Provinces 1 and 5 while the NC is better placed in Province 7 (kp 01/07/2017), Will major forces win west Tarai? Regional parties trail in early race, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 01/07/2017), UML wins in three local levels in Province 1 (ht 01/07/2017), CPN-MC clean sweeps civic polls in Rukum (ht 01/07/2017), Nepali Congress ahead in Province 7 (ht 01/07/2017), UML registers victory in Deuba's home district, by Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep 01/07/2017))

Women voters outnumber men: High turnout brings grim fact into focus: Male migration to different countries in search of work (kp 30/06/2017), Second phase local polls: Early results put UML and NC in close contest (kp 30/06/2017), Counting begins in 307 local levels; CPN-UML leading in most (ht), NC alleges ‘booth capture’ (kp 30/06/2017), NC-Maoist electoral alliance again demands re-poll, by Ram Bahadur Kunwar (rep 30/06/2017), Three injured in Bajhang clash: The Maoist Centre threatens to obstruct the vote count if the arrested party cadres are not freed immediately (kp 30/06/2017) [Crimes are not punishable if they are committed by party cadres??], Phase II civic poll results coming in (ht 30/06/2017), Peaceful polls: The two phases of local elections have proved the fact that the people want peace, stability and prosperity through periodic elections (ht 30/06/2017), Early vote count spells tight race between NC, UML: CPN (Maoist Center) stands third, other fringe parties lead in some seat (rep 30/06/2017), All eyes on Biratnagar poll: Vote counting delayed for five hours, by Ajit Tirai (rep 30/06/2017), by Kanak Mani Dixit (nt 30/06/2017), Voting in the rain, by Neel Kantha Uprety (nt 30/06/2017), 2 down, 1 to go (nt 30/06/2017), Getting to the other side: Despite lack of conviction that local elections will improve lives, people cross swollen rivers to vote, by Gopal Gartaula (nt 30/06/2017)

Phase II polls see 70.5pc voter turnout: People brave rains in some parts of the country to reach polling centres to cast votes;EC says voting concluded peacefully with no untoward incidents in any of the provinces , by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 29/06/2017), 70.5 pc voter turnout in phase 2 local polls (rep 29/06/2017), Observers say voting ‘highly encouraging and peaceful’: The NHRC has drawn authorities’ attention to poll timing given the difficulties faced by voters due to rains (kp 29/06/2017), Up to 80 percent voter turnout in Madhesi constituencies, by Sher Bahadur KC and Kiranman Bajracharya (rep 29/06/2017), Poll deferral disappoints locals of Province 2, by Mahesh Kumar Das (rep 29/06/2017), Poll lessons: Election success should encourage major parties to engage with RJP-N (kp 29/06/2017), Tingla villagers refuse to cast vote (kp 29/06/2017), Pressure mounts on RJP-N; all eyes on 3rd phase now (kp 29/06/2017), Thawang locals participate in polls with enthusiasm, by Kashiram Dangi (kp 29/06/2017), Four fake voters held in Dhankuta (ht 29/06/2017), Voters brave weather, defy threats (rep 29/06/2017), First-time voters enthusiastically participated in local elections (rep 29/06/2017), 4 elderly die at polling centers (rep 29/06/2017)

Head constable saves hundreds from fatal bomb explosion (ht 29/06/2017), Policeman risks his own life to save voters from bomb explosion, by Devendra Basnet (rep 29/06/2017), Bomb terror in various districts on Election Day (rep 29/06/2017)

Parties used 853 children during Phase I polls: CCWB (kp 28/06/2017)

EC submits torn ballots to court: Hearing set for July 7 (kp 28/06/2017)

Anti-poll parties playing double roles (rep 28/06/2017)

LDOs asked to Determine size of DCCs (kp 27/06/2017)

Clashes, blasts raise security concerns: Such incidents could result in low voter turnout during polls: Experts (kp 27/06/2017), Light to moderate rains expected on voting day (kp 27/06/2017), EC ‘not acting tough’ on election code violators (kp 27/06/2017), 250,000 leave Valley for vote (kp 27/06/2017), Surge in outbound traffic from capital (ht 27/06/2017), United States, UK appeal for peaceful polls (kp 27/06/2017), Poll officials to accept govt IDs from voters (kp 27/06/2017), Observers charge EC lost its independence (kp 27/06/2017), Voter education ‘ineffective’ in Siddharthanagar, by Madhav Dhungana (kp 27/06/2017), IED detonated at house of UML candidate (kp 27/06/2017), EC urges govt to discipline Mainali (ht 27/06/2017), Security stepped up in Province 7: One bomb disposal team has been deployed a every local level (ht 27/06/2017), 10,630 yet to receive voters’ ID in Morang (ht 27/06/2017), EC to tighten preventive measures against ballot tearing, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 27/06/2017), Thin security presence spawns worry in Dang during polls, by Devendra Basnet (rep 27/06/2017), Nepalgunj voters want haphazard development to stop, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 27/06/2017)

Is UML Reconsidering Its Position?, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn 26/06/2017)

No measures to reduce invalid votes: Observers (kp 26/06/2017), Only fresh voter ID cards to be accepted: Those issued during 2013 CA polls, citizenship cards, passports, driving licences or land certificates won’t work unless the EC decides otherwise (kp 26/06/2017), Three missions permitted to watch polls (kp 26/06/2017), Silence period on (kp 26/06/2017), 7 injured in explosion during Maoist Centre’s election rally (kp 26/06/2017), Migrant workers returning home for elections, by Khagendra Awasthi (kp 26/06/2017), Prez approves Army mobilisation for second phase of local polls (ht 26/06/2017), Code of conduct violations rife in Bajura (ht 26/06/2017), Big parties fooling voters with conflicting promises (rep 26/06/2017), Ex-Kamaiyas to vote for candidates who will address their demands, by Balkrishna Adhikari and Dil Bahadur Chhatyal (rep 26/06/2017), Nepal-India border closed for elections (rep 26/06/2017), All parties have their eye on landless voters in Dharan, by Durga Dulal and Rohit Rai (rep 26/06/2017) [They will forget this with the closing of the polling stations!]

Cheated and silenced, the voters in the Terai will go to the polls with a heavy heart, by Anurag Acharya (The Record 25/06/2017)

Minority groups flay parties for ignoring them (kp 25/06/2017), Brush with controversies may weaken EC’s teeth: Vehicle purchase plan, call details of staffers among other issues in question (kp 25/06/2017), Not against polls: RJP-N (kp 25/06/2017), Bibeksheel Party gunning for 2nd round vote: The party is running for mayor and deputy mayor in Baitadi, Kailali and Kanchanpur districts (kp 25/06/2017), 51 election candidates over 80 years of age (ht 25/06/2017), Madhes-based parties likely to give tough fight to Big III in Morang (ht 25/06/2017), 3 communities will decide Nepalgunj poll result, by Kalendra Sejuwal (rep 25/06/2017), RJPN brass campaign for party's independent candidates, by Sher Bahadur KC (rep 25/06/2017), Voter ID card distribution begins today (rep 25/06/2017), Tea estate workers lament 'use and throw' policy of political parties, by Raju Adhikari (rep 25/06/2017), Leaders only visit us during elections: Locals (rep 25/06/2017) [!!]

Rejected blue ink to be used in vote again (kp 24/06/2017), CEC Yadav plays down EC secy’s transfer (ht 24/06/2017), Old faces competing for mayoral post in Gulmi, by Shiva Lal Subedi (rep 24/06/2017), Maoist Center lures voters with sample land ownership certificates in Dharan, by Rohit Rai (rep 24/06/2017)

Election To Education: The failure of the three parties to bring the RJPN in the election process will definitely pose a threat to the legitimacy of the elections, by Keshab Poudel (sp 23/06/2017)

Costly Election Boycott, by Narad Bharadwaj (rn 23/06/2017), No political pressure on EC: Yadav (kp 23/06/2017), Mayoral candidates vow to rejuvenate Biratnagar, by Madhav Ghimire and Binod Bhandari (kp 23/06/2017), EC likely to bar party reps from touching ballot papers (ht 23/06/2017), 32 Doti polling centres sensitive (ht 23/06/2017), 66 polling stations highly sensitive in Kanchanpur, 18 in Palpa (ht 23/06/2017), NHRC to monitor elections in 35 districts on June 28 (ht 23/06/2017), Polling Together: Two years after bloody clashes, Tikapur is trying to bury the past to hold local elections, by Shreejana Shrestha (nt 23/06/2017), Polls apart (nt 23/06/2017), Factors that could sway Butwal city polls, by Roshan Sedhai and Sher Bahadur KC (rep 23/06/2017), Big parties woo Tharu voters in Tikapur, by Balkrishna Adhikari and Yogesh Rawal (rep 23/06/2017)

How Crazy Are We?, by Hemang Dixit (sp 23/06/2017)

Local Polls ill legitimacy: Although the second phase of local election is under way, the absence of RJPN, a strong Madheshi group, will pose a question of legitimacy (sp 23/06/2017)

EC secy transferred after row over purchase of cars, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 23/06/2017), Election commissioners scramble to defend move (kp 24/06/2017)

Fringe parties' survival at stake with rise in political opportunism, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 23/06/2017)

Setting a bad precedent: Postponing elections is a terrible habit, it will weaken Nepal’s democracy, by Damakant Jayshi (nt 23/06/2017)

The baffled voters: Effective voter education programmes are necessary to reduce the number of invalid ballots, by Umesh Raj Regmi (kp 23/06/2017)

Second Round Poll: Success Will Prevail, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 22/06/2017), Achham’s female candidates for compulsory girl child education, by Menuka Dhungana (kp 22/06/2017), Central leaders busy in election campaigns (kp 22/06/2017), Election Commission clueless about number of contestants (ht 22/06/2017), EC deploys 75 undercover officials for phase II election (ht 22/06/2017), Dalits of Bajura village cannot vote freely (ht 22/06/2017)

EC assigns election symbols to candidates (kp 21/06/2017), EC publishes final list of nominees (ht 21/06/2017), NHRC to step up vigilance (kp 21/06/2017), 4 APF AIGs in election security visit (kp 21/06/2017), 7 held for anti-election activities (kp 21/06/2017), SC directs EC to produce torn ballot (kp 21/06/2017), SC asks EC to submit ‘original decision’ over Bharatpur re-polling (ht 21/06/2017), SC seeks torn Bharatpur ballots, other documents (rep 21/06/2017), Communication unavailable for 4 remote polling stations in Bajura (ht 21/06/2017), Women leaders buoyed, eyeing better posts in next elections, by Kalendra Sejuwal (rep 21/06/2017), Over 5,000 women elected in phase one local polls (rep 21/06/2017), Candidates head into election campaigns carrying flags and symbols of other parties (rep 21/06/2017)

Is it ethical for teachers to take to politics? Some 1,000 teachers quit their jobs to contest local polls, by Bishnu Prasad Aryal (rep 21/06/2017)

Election And Population Dynamics, by Prem Khatry (rn 20/06/2017), 11 elected unopposed (kp 20/06/2017), Four-day school closure for polls (kp 20/06/2017) [Schools cannot be closed often enough!], Parties counting on Muslim voters in Rupandehi and Kapilvastu, by Madhav Dhungana and Manoj Paidel (kp 20/06/2017), Tingla residents boycott election (kp 20/06/2017), Parties urged to exercise restraint: EC (ht 20/06/2017), Poll code of conduct flouted in Province 7 (ht 20/06/2017), 3,366 nominated to contest for 685 posts in Jhapa election (ht 20/06/2017), 1,234 candidates to contest in polls in Panchthar (ht 20/06/2017), Twenty candidates contesting in Khotang (ht 20/06/2017), NC, Maoists join hands to keep UML at bay: Form a poll alliance in over 70 local units (rep 20/06/2017), Communal harmony major agenda for Tikapur voters, by Yogesh Rawal (rep 20/06/2017)

CPN-MC, FSF-N tie up for votes in Biratnagar (ht 19/06/2017), Ensure elections: The EC will have to do more to ensure that elections are held and the counting is also done in a free, fair and impartial manner without any security lapses (ht 19/06/2017), RJPN attempts to foil candidacy filing in various districts, by Mahesh Kumar Das and Suresh Yadav (rep 19/06/2017), RJPN demands release of cadres (rep 19/06/2017), Political parties violate election laws (rep 19/06/2017), Thawang finally ready for polls, by Devendra Basnet and Dinesh Subedi (rep 19/06/2017), We are caught between the government and RJPN: Locals of Province-2, by Upendra Yadav (rep 19/06/2017), ‘Phase III poll as suggested by agitating forces’ (ht 19/06/2017) [Did they really suggest it in this way?], No Shift In Position Fuelling The Fire, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn 19/06/2017), Polls ‘undemocratic’, say RJP-N leaders, by Madhav Dhungana (kp 19/06/2017), Candidacies filed despite protests (kp 19/06/2017), Sporadic clashes in Tarai but candidates unfazed (kp 19/06/2017), UML cadre killed in clash with NC in Bajura (ht 19/06/2017), FA condemns firing, arrest of protesters (ht 19/06/2017), Doubtful deferral: It would be wrong to blame only the RJPN for Province 2 delay. Congress is as responsible, by David Kainee (rep 19/06/2017)

Nominations for June 28 local elections today, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 18/06/2017), Candidates to file nomination today (ht 18/06/2017), Refrain from using kids for electioneering: EC (ht 18/06/2017), Far-flung Bajura villages deprived of voter education (ht 18/06/2017)

Holding Local Polls Still A Challenge, by Kushal Pokharel (rn 17/06/2017), Poll officials, volunteers return from Province 2 (kp 17/06/2017), EC lifts some provisions of election code of conduct in Province 2 (ht 17/06/2017), Polls leave villages across Mechi untouched (ht 17/06/2017), RJPN cadres torch poll materials (rep 17/06/2017)

Nomination deadline pushed to Sunday (kp 16/06/2017), Govt postpones polls in Province 2: UML objects to the move; RJP-N unconvinced; Deuba runs risk of repeating history (kp 16/06/2017), Invalid ballot: Candidates teach people how to vote, by Birendra KC (kp 16/06/2017), Two former PLA members in race for top local level posts in Morang (ht 16/06/2017), CPN-MC hindering poll campaigning, allege NC, UML (ht 16/06/2017), The Third-Phase Local Election, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 16/06/2017)

Strong security in place for polls: Home minister (kp 15/06/2017), EC concerned as officials detained (kp 15/06/2017), Remote Bajura villagers demand parturition centre in return for votes (ht 15/06/2017), 15 voting centres most sensitive in Panchthar (ht 15/06/2017), Bajhang women to vote for those pledging to end chhaupadi (rep 15/06/2017)

Phase II poll preparations complete: CEC (ht 14/06/2017), Tea workers announce ‘no vote’ agitation (ht 14/06/2017), UML cadres injured in Bajura clash (ht 14/06/2017), Teacher falls prey to leaders’ promise (ht 14/06/2017), NC picks Dalit leader as mayoral candidate (ht 14/06/2017), Security beefed up across tarai amid RJPN threats (rep 14/06/2017), 42 polling stations marked 'security-sensitive' in Udayapur, by Maheshwor Chamling Rai (rep), Birgunj locals eager to cast votes, by Ram Saran Tamang (rep 14/06/2017)

Technically included, practically left out: The number of Dalit candidates for top jobs in municipal and village councils is near zero despite commitments for inclusion in the constitution and party documents, by Bhola Paswan (The Record 13/06/2017)

Candidate selection delayed in Province 2, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 13/06/2017), Confusion reigns in central Tarai (kp 13/06/2017), UML not to back party’s corrupt local reps (kp 13/06/2017), ‘EC can’t accept third-phase elections’ (kp 13/06/2017), It’s all a ruse: Landless people’s take on polls, by Arjun Rajbanshi (kp 13/06/2017), NHRC condemns poll event disruption (ht 13/06/2017), Election fever grips Biratnagar metropolis (ht 13/06/2017), Parties launch poll campaign in Jhapa district (ht 13/06/2017), Major political parties struggling to finalize candidates, by Santosh Singh (rep 13/06/2017), Bhojpur wants capable, competent persons (ht 13/06/2017), RJPN cadres beat up 3 polling officers, vandalize vehicles (rep 13/06/2017)

Parties accused of giving tickets to affluent candidates, by Kalendra Sejuwal (rep 13/06/2017)

Bibeksheel set to field candidates in five districts: Sajha focuses on party organisation, remains undecided, by Chandan Kumar Mandal (kp 12/06/2017), EC: Materials printed in local languages with ‘good intent’ (kp 12/06/2017), ‘Zero tolerance against anti-election activities’ (kp 12/06/2017), Apex court postpones hearing on Bharatpur ballot count row: Bench of Justices Bishwombher Prasad Shrestha and Prakash Man Singh Raut ‘find no time for the case’ (kp 12/06/2017) [??], MTF submits details for candidate authorisation (kp 12/06/2017), EC fiat to strictly implement poll conduct code (ht 12/06/2017), FNJ members told to resign before filing candidacy for civic polls (ht 12/06/2017), Candidates selection incomplete in Bara (ht 12/06/2017), Parties yet to choose poll contestants in Siraha (ht 12/06/2017), Kin of poll-clash victim stage mute rally (ht 12/06/2017), Family, ethnic ties decisive in tarai polls, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep 12/06/2017)

CPN-UML finalises Province 1 candidates (kp 11/06/2017), 3 parties field aspirants from a single family (kp 11/06/2017), Poll body firm on ensuring code compliance (kp 11/07/2017), 20 candidates obtained less than 100 votes in Kavre (ht 11/06/2017), Major parties finalize candidates in Dhankuta, by Siddharaj Rai (rep 11/06/2017), Parties barred from distributing symbol-printed materials (rep 11/06/2017)

EC gives RJP-Nepal three days to submit details (kp 10/06/2017), Parties gearing up for quick candidate picks , by Tika Ram Pradhan (kp 10/06/2017), ‘Illegal arms a major security threat’ (kp 10/06/2017)

House amends Local Level Election Act: Move aimed at bringing agitating parties on board the election process, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/06/2017)

Special security plan for polls in Rupandehi, by Madhav Dhungana (kp 08/06/2017)

Over 4,500 temporary cops resign (kp 07/06/2017), Election offices stage mock polls, run voter education programme, by Bedraj Paudel (kp 07/06/2017), Election fever grips Bhojpur (ht 07/06/2017)

Question of credibility: The Election Commission acting like an extended wing of the government does not bode well for democracy, by Achyut Wagle (kp 06/06/2017)

RJP-N ‘ready’ for polls with one of six vote symbols: Election officials say the demanded symbol - umbrella - cannot be given to the united party as ballot papers have already been printed and delivered to the districts, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 06/06/2017)

EC to take diplomats on poll inspection visits (ht 06/06/2017), Election drives wedge between siblings (ht 06/06/2017), Preparations for polls over in Sunsari (ht 06/06/2017)

First vote in rainy season fraught with challenges, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 05/06/2017)

Brothers become rival candidates in Baitadi (kp 05/06/2017), Bharatpur vote count venue declared prohibited zone (kp 05/06/2017), Writ petition against EC’s decision on Bharatpur vote row: Petitioners demand annulment of the Election Commission’s decision and a court order for the EC to resume counting of the votes in the disputed ward (kp 05/06/2017), SC stays EC’s decision to hold re-polling in Bharatpur-19 (hts 05/06/2017), Re-polling in bharatpur-19: Apex court stays EC decision; Asks authorities to maintain status quo until Sunday (kp 06/06/2017)

706 candidates lose security deposit (ht 05/06/2017)

Educate voters: Emphasise on voter education for the upcoming second phase of local elections, by Reena Chikanbanjar (ht 04/06/2017)

44k police deployed in the East for poll security (kp 04/06/2017)

Mother, daughter NC’s deputy mayor candidates in Jhapa (kp 03/06/2017), NA mobilised to ensure security ahead of polls (ht 03/06/2017), Locals concerned as parties flout poll code of conduct in Panchthar (ht 03/06/2017), Children being used for poll campaigning (ht 03/06/2017)

Bharatpur vote counting fiasco: 90 ballot papers found torn, 70pc in shreds, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp 02/06/2017), EC undecided how to resolve ballot-tearing row (rep 02/06/2017), Political parties violating election code in Morang (ht 02/06/2017), Poll date change elates Muslims (ht 02/06/2017), Candidates yet to submit expense details (ht 02/06/2017), PM election boils down to EC decision on Bharatpur incident, by Tika R. Pradhan and Binod Ghimire (kp 03/06/2017), Bharatpur Scam Spoils Prachanda’s Image, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 04/06/2017)

RJP-N viewed as strong contender in the plains, by Aman Koirala (kp 02/06/2017)

Local concerns: Some analysts believe it will be tough to hold elections in the Tarai belt without first amending the constitution, by Biswas Baral (rep 02/06/2017)

Bharatpur vote counting fiasco: EC panel fails to throw enough light on incident, by Prithvi Man Shrestha and Bimal Khatiwada (kp 01/06/2017), EC seeks number of ballot papers torn (ht 01/06/2017), Parties gearing up for elections in Biratnagar (ht 01/06/2017), Polls rescheduled for June 28: Kune 16 is candidacy nomination day (rep 01/6/2017), Repeated deferrals annoys voters, candidates, by Devendra Basnet (rep 01/06/2017), Rainfalls may affect elections during monsoon, by Ram Saran Tamang (rep 01/06/2017)

Phase II local polls to be held on June 28: The government says the decision to reschedule polls was taken after members of the Muslim community drew its attention to the Ramadan festival they are observing (kp 31/05/2017), Govt registers bill to amend local poll law (kp 31/05/2017, RJP-N fallen between two stools? Differences within the party stalling decision on its participation in local elections: Some leaders within the RJP-N are for finding ‘a political way out’ and going to polls while others say participating in the polls without government addressing their demands would mean losing face with the constituencies, by Anil Giri (kp 31/05/2017), RJP-N cadres clash with police, four injured: The clash ensued when police intervened as the RJP-N supporters were trying to padlock the office of Chief Election Officer (kp 31/05/2017)

More than 150,000 personnel to be deployed for poll security (kp 31/05/2017), Widow and kids of slain Tamang seek protection, by Rajendra Manandhar (kp 31/05/2017), Re-election unacceptable, says main opposition (ht 31/05/2017), UML threatens protest if Bharatpur goes for re-polls (rep 31/05/2017), Nine journos in election fray in Dang (ht 31/05/2017), Investigation panel returns from Chitwan (ht 31/05/2017), Quitting job paid off only for eight, by Anil Bhandari (rep 31/05/2017)

Phase II local elections rescheduled for June 23 (kp 30/05/2017), Govt puts off phase 2 local polls for June 23 (rep 30/05/2017), NDF seeks conducive environment for polls (ht 30/05/2017), NC picks candidates for Doti, Udayapur (ht 30/05/2017), Vote counting put off in Bharatpur after Maoists tear ballot papers, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (rep 30/05/2017), Most parties fielding Tharu candidates in Kailali rural municipality (rep 30/05/2017)

Parties ‘ready to delay polls by about a week’, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 29/05/2017)

UML’s Shakya elected Kathmandu mayor (kp 29/05/2017), ‘I’ll make Kathmandu a better place to live’, interview Bidhya Sundar Shakya (kp 29/05/2017), Victory in defeat: New parties have proved that their foray into politics is not only hype (kp), ‘Failing to win won’t stop our work’, interview with Ranju Darshana Neupane (kp 29/05/2017), Sajha Party thanks its voters (kp 29/05/2017), EC gears up for second phase of local elections (kp 29/05/2017), Myadi recruits up in arms against police (kp 29/05/2017), Siraha engaged in preparations for local poll (ht 29/05/2017), EC opening election office in all local units today (rep 29/05/2017)

Second Phase Election: Fraught With Challenges, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 28/05/2017), 100k civil staffers to be on poll duty (kp 28/05/2017), RJP-N protest dampens poll spirit in Banke (kp 28/05/2017), Security in Bajura to be stepped up (kp 28/05/2017), Four-party meeting ends inconclusively: NC leaders ready to delay second phase of local level elections, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 28/05/2017), Election should not be postponed: Oli, by Bhim Ghimire (kp 28/05/2017), Salt, rice top voters’ demands in remote Bajhang villages, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 28/05/2017)

Gathabandhan ups the ante: Announces protests aimed at foiling June 14 election; The RJP-N says it will not participate in polls as the government has failed to address its demands and implement past deals, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 26/05/2017), RJPN announces to disrupt polls, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 27/05/2017)

SC stays govt decision to add local units in Tarai districts (kp 27/05/2017), SC stays addition of local levels in Tarai: Observes such changes should be made one year before civic polls, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 27/05/2017) [Under this consideration the whole local elections would be invalid!!], UML wins mayor, news digest deputy mayor seats in Pokhara Lekhnath (kp 27/05/2017), 11 women candidates elected to deputy mayoral, vice-chair’s posts in Dhading (ht 27/05/2017), Mood in Madhes veering toward election, by Ajit Tiwari (rep 27/05/2017), Locals concerned about lack of voters' education, by Raju Adhikari (27/05/2017)

Election and ballot papers: Simple solutions are possible, by Pramod Raj Pokharel (ht 26/05/2017)

Including the excluded: The real winners of the local elections are not political parties, but women, by Om Astha Rai (nt 26/05/2017), Federal feminine republic of Nepal (nt 26/05/2017), Madam Mayor, by Kantika Sejuwal (nt 26/05/2017)

Elections with added units not possible on June 14, says EC, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 26/05/2017), Parties in Banke ready for polls, save RJP-N (kp 26/05/2017), Voters of remote Bajura village demand rice before election, by Arjun Shah (kp 26/05/2017), Madhes-centric parties welcome govt decision to increase local units (kp 26/05/2017), Quake victims hope elected reps will help them get grant (ht 26/05/2017), Election activities intensify in Dang (ht 26/05/2017), 13934 representatives elected in 278 local units (rep 26/05/2017)

Unprincipled Hobnobbing In Local Polls, by Mukti Rijal (rn 25/05/2017), Gearing Up For Second Phase Local Poll, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 25/05/2017), Police blamed for candidate’s death in Malkot firing (kp 25/05/2017), Security beefed up for second phase of local level elections (ht 25/05/2017), Musahar community deprived of voter education (ht 25/05/2017), Results still awaited three cities, two other units (rep 25/05/2017), Major political parties facing hard time choosing candidates (rep 25/05/2017)

Polls on June 14 with added local units difficult, says EC: According to EC officials, PM Dahal has sought to know whether postponing elections could be an option to bring agitating forces on board the poll process, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/05/2017), EC tells PM second phase polls not possible if local bodies increase (ht 25/05/2017), EC rules out polls in 22 newly-created local units: Dahal proposes defering second round polls to accomodate new units, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 25/05/2017)

Bar Afghanistan, Nepal has perhaps the slowest vote counting process, interview with Neel Kantha Uprety (rep 25/05/2017)

Campaign to educate voters yet to reach villages (kp 24/05/2017), Aspirant candidate spends Rs 1.5m to open 6km track, by Basanta Pratap Singh (kp 24/05/2017), Parties at pains to select candidates (ht 24/05/2017), NC selects candidates in rural municipalities (ht 24/05/2017), EC takes flak for not enforcing code, credibility questioned (rep 24/05/2017), Preparations in full swing for phase II local polls, by Binod Subedi (rep 24/05/2017), Locals of Rolpa eager to cast votes, by Dinesh Subedi (rep 24/05/2017), Parties set to adopt failed alliance strategy again, by Mithilesh Yadav (rep 24/05/2017)

Congress Can Bounce Back, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 24/05/2017)

Vote count resumes in Pokhara Lekhnath (kp 23/05/2017), UML wins mayor, NC deputy mayor in Madhyapur Thimi (ht 23/05/2017), Madhes moves into election mode, by Suresh Yadav (rep 23/05/2017), Party-switching worked for many but didn't for some, by Dhruba Dangal (rep 23/06/2017), Maoists still remain influential in 'war-era' bases, by Devendra Basnet and Ganesh BK (rep 23/05/2017)

12 Tarai districts to get 22 more local units: Cabinet decides to upgrade Birgunj and Biratnagar as metropolitan cities (kp 23/05/2017), Cabinet adds 22 local levels in Tarai (ht 23/05/2017), Govt forms 22 more local units in Tarai districts: EC says it will now be 'quite difficult' to conduct second round local polls on June 14, by Bhadra Sharma and Gyan P. Neupane (rep 23/05/2017), Decision to increase number of local units puts EC in a fix: The EC says it cannot make any comment as it is yet to receive information about the government decision of increasing 22 local units in 12 Tarai districts, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 24/05/2017), Local unit addition affects poll preparations, says CEC Yadav: Chief commissioners says preparing new voter lists and managing logistics in the new local units are challenging tasks (kp 24/05/2017), Phase II polls as scheduled: CEC (ht 24/05/2017), New local federal units: UML accuses govt of gerrymandering; Oli says the decision should not have been made taking cues from the results of the first-phase polls, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 24/05/2017), UML takes serious exception to govt decision (ht 24/05/2017), EC 'totally unaware' of decision on 22 new local units (rep 24/05/2017)

Towards tech-friendly polls: The chaos of the elections reflected the nature of our society, where planning and order have never been a priority, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 23/05/2017), Sheer underrepresentation: Electing a familiar person to represent the locals is almost impossible under the new structure, by Achyut Wagle (kp 23/05/2017)

Maoist Center Shaken To Roots, by Nandalal Tiwari (rn 22/05/2017), Maoist Center fails to impress urban voters, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 22/05/2017), Parties other than UML boycott counting in Pokhara (ht 22/05/2017), Election activities intensifiy in Province 7 (ht 22/05/2017), Parties preparing for second phase of polls in Morang (ht 22/05/2017), EC rejects PM's request to increase local units: The election body has also refused to give umbrella as the election symbol to the newly-formed Rastriya Janata Party Nepal as demanded by its leaders (rep 22/05/2017), Madhesi parties in bid for poll alliance (rep 22/05/2017), Parties in final phase to select candidates for second round polls, by Ajit Tiwari (rep 22/05/2017), Poll observer urges enhanced voter education (rep 22/05/2017)

Local Elections Voters Punish Flip-floppers, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 21/05/2017), EC, ministry review security situation for Phase II vote: Potential election boycott by RJPN, activities of CPN and open border with India among the security threats, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 21/05/2017). Vote counting in Bharatpur resumes after 16-hour halt, by Bimal Khatiwada (kp 21/05/2017), Changu vote counting centre sealed (kp 21/05/2017), General strike hits life in Rasuwa after Khukuri attack (kp 21/0572017), Election preparations begin in eastern region (kp 21/05/2017), Not over yet: Election Commission can do a better job during the second phase of local elections, by Khagendra N. Sharma (kp 21/05/2017), UML leading with NC not far behind (ht 21/05/2017), Certificate seized three days after being sworn in as ward chairperson (ht 21/05/2017)

Early Indications Of Local Polls, by Kushal Pokharel (rn 20/05/2017)

Election Commission to change stamp colour for Phase II polls (ht 20/05/2017)

Hubby elected ward chairman, wife deputy mayor of Rukum (ht 20/05/2017), CPN-UML leading in vote count on Day V (ht 20/05/2017), UML maintains tiny lead as vote-count nears completion (rep 20/05/2017), Maoists in blame game after KMC losses, by Gyan P. Neupane (rep 20/05/2017), Five women mayor and deputy mayors to lead Syangja towns, by Santosh Pokharel (rep 20/05/2017), Man beaten almost to death during conflict becomes Gorkha's mayor, by Narahari Sapkota (rep 20/05/2017), Women who made it to major local unit posts, by Pooja Chauhan (rep 20/05/2017)

As results trickle in, NC admits its shortcomings (kp 19/05/2017), Chepangs elected ward chairmen (kp 19/05/2017), UML leading with NC close behind in vote count (ht 19/05/2017), CPN-MC sweeps polls in Rukum (ht 19/05/2017), Vote counting in hills excites tarai folks, by Ritesh Tripathi (ht 19/05/2017), Maoists lose influence in Gorkha, by Narahari Sapkota (rep 19/05/2017), Results declared for two-thirds local units (rep 19/05/2017), Political Parties And First-Phase Local Elections, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 19/05/2017)

E-voting, anyone? What we need right now is a healthy debate on voting system, by Saugat Gautam (rep 18/05/2017)

Poll observers point to lack of voter education: Huge ballot papers, dozens of electoral symbols and inadequate awareness programmes could lead to high number of invalid votes (kp 18/05/2017), Report stresses need for effective voter education (ht 18/05/2017), CEC says counting will be completed in a week (kp 18/05/217), More desks set up to speed up vote counting (ht 18/05/2017), Women win village seats, by Narayan Sharma (kp 18/05/2017), UML calls for probe into poll violence: Says second phase elections should be held under current structure (kp 18/05/2017), UML, Congress pitted in tough electoral battle (ht 18/05/2017), More results of local level election on Day III (ht 18/05/2017), Congress, UML neck and neck on Day 3 of vote count (rep 18/05/2017), Only one woman elected mayor so far, by Kalendra Sejuwal (rep 18/05/2017), Local election seen as harbinger of inclusiveness (rep 18/05/2017) [??], 'Ill-timed' second phase polls less exciting for Muslims, by Binod Subedi (rep 18/05/2017), RPP seemingly headed for a stinging defeat, by Gyan P. Neupane (rep 18/05/2017) [This anti-inclusive Hindu fundamentalist party should see it as the referendum it has been asking for!!!]

The election effect: One hopes the dysfunction that became so apparent with the all-party mechanisms after 2007 will stop after these elections, by Deepak Thapa (kp 18/05/2017)

All Eyes On Second Phase Poll, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 18/05/2017), Palpa, Jhapa prepare for JUNE 14 elections (kp 18/05/2017)

Vote counting tedious, time-consuming affair: It may take weeks for results to be out if enumerators keep at current pace (kp 17/05/2017), Slow counting leaves voters disappointed, by Santosh Pokharel (rep 17/05/2017), Correct it: Adequate counting units should be added to finish counting even in the metropolitan cities within a week at the latest (ht 17/05/2017), Vote counting to speed up (ht 17/05/2017), Early counts show high vote wastage, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/05/2017) [!!!], Poor voter education blamed for high number of void votes, by Rupesh Acharya (ht 17/05/2017), Local polls bring promising signs of social change, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep), Namobuddha, Dhulikhel re-election today (kp 17/05/2017), Keys to ballot boxes ‘go missing’ from inside court building (kp 17/05/2017), Ex-Maoist fighters win in Rukum village, by Hari Gautam (kp 17/05/2017), UML front-runner even on Day Two: Kathmandu Metropolitan City results unlikely before one week, states Election Commission (ht 17/05/2017), Local level election results so far (ht 17/05/2017), Early vote count shows big 3 leading pack (rep 17/05/2017), NC, UML win 12 wards each in Makawanpur, by Ashok Shrijan Shrestha (rep 17/05/2017), New parties put in 'unexpected performance', by Roshan Sedhai (rep 17/05/2017), Manang drops consensus way, by Santosh Pokharel (rep), Representatives who stand out (rep 17/05/2017), NC’s memo against killing of its cadre (ht 17/05/2017), Lessons From Local Polls, by Shyam KC (rn 17/05/2017), A Victory For Democracy, Nation, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 17/05/2017), New Delhi changes tack, assumes ‘neutral position’: Observers say India has softened stance on Nepal’s constitution and is encouraging Madhes-based forces to take part in polls, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 17/05/2017), US seeks int’l observers’ access to June 14 polls (kp 17/05/2017)

Legal vacuum for elected representatives to start work (rep 16/05/2017)

Complicated ballot paper, poor voter's education and inks blamed for slow vote counting, by Kalendra Sejuwal (rep 16/05/2017)

UML, NC ahead in Manang and Mustang districts (kp 16/05/2017), Malkot clash: RPP candidate succumbs to bullet injuries (kp 16/05/2017), Family members of victim shot by APF seeking justice, by Madhusudan Guragain (rep 16/05/2017), Large number of youngsters participate in Chitwan polls (kp 16/05/2017), Valley residents complain of tardy pace of vote counting, by Rupesh Acharya (kp 16/05/2017), Painstakingly slow vote-counting a new challenge for EC, by Gyan P. Neupane (rep 16/05/2017), 18 hours to count just 2,000 votes in Lalitpur (rep 16/05/2017), EC to provide more staff (rep 16/05/2017), An anxious wait for election results, by Santosh Pokharel (rep 16/05/2017), UML leads vote count, NC follows (ht 16/05/2017), Thapa, Darshana catch poll limelight (rep 16/05/2017), Elections re-scheduled (rep 16/05/2017), First Phase Local Elections of 2017, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 16/05/2017)

Infrastructure, clean environment remain a powerful appeal to voters, by Anup Ojha and Manish Gautam (kp 15/05/2017), More parties turning to social media to swing opinions, by Sanjeev Giri (kp 15/05/2017), First time voters prefer good candidates over party links, by Bishnu Prasad Aryal (rep 15/05/2017), Those who didn’t vote: Daily wage laborers say earning evening meal a higher priority, by Ram Saran Tamang (kp 15/05/2017)

Nation holds local polls in 20 yrs: First round of election successful with more than 73 percent turnout: EC, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 15/05/2017), 73% voter turnout in historic local polls, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 15/05/2017), First phase of civic polls witnesses enthusiastic participation, by Rupesh Acharya (ht 15/05/2017), Ballot papers ‘confusing’ (kp 15/05/2017), Large ballot paper confuses voters, by Gyan P. Neupane (rep 15/05/2017), Election cancelled in three centres; one killed (kp 15/05/2017), APF accused of killing youth in Kavre: Protest over murder disrupts polling in Namobuddha (ht 15/05/2017), Dhading CPN-UML cadre beaten to death (ht 15/05/2017), Nawalparasi’s ballot paper used at Nagarkot (kp 15/05/2017), UML for re-polling over ‘code violation’ (kp 15/05/2017), Periodic polls: After the success of first phase of local polls, challenge now is to ensure the second one (kp 15/05/2017), Local polls at last: Voters were more enthusiastic as the new constitution has given more power and authority to the elected representatives at the local level (ht 15/05/2017)

Local representatives to enjoy executive, legislative and judicial powers, by Ashok Dahal (rep 15/05/2017) [This not only means rights but also duties!!!]

Nearly 100 pc turnout in Gorkha polling centre (ht 15/05/2017)

Go vote for democracy (kp 14/05/2017), First phase of local elections today, by Rupesh Acharya (ht 14/05/2017), All set for polls: Voters will, for the first time under the new constitution, instate elected representatives in village and municipal councils which will have more powers and budget (kp 14/05/2017), ‘Fully prepared to hold first phase of local polls today’, interview with Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav (kp 14/05/2017), Quake-displaced return to cast vote, by Anish Tiwari (kp 14/05/2017)

High number of null votes possible in Ramechhap (ht 14/05/2017)

Health Minister Thapa escapes possible scuffle with UML cadres (kp 14/05/2017)

Citizenship, passport, driving licence can be used to vote: EC; Poll body, however, says names should be on voter list, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 13/05/2017), Voters’ ordeal to find their identity cards: Many who voted during last CA polls complain of being delisted (kp 13/05/2017)

Raute demand voting rights, by Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep 13/05/2017)

Know your vote (kp 13/05/2017)

On eve of polls, govt doles out Rs 150m to Kailali incident victims (rep 13/05/2017) [??]

EC warns against poll campaigning (ht 13/05/2017)

Two days to collect ballot boxes in upper Gorkha, by Santosh Pokharel and Narahari Sapkota (rep 13/05/2017)

Election Commission prohibits vehicular movement on election day (rep 13/05/2017)

1k voters returning from India daily (kp 13/05/2017), Outflow of people leaving Valley to cast vote up (ht 13/05/2017)

Cylinder bomb goes off in Bhaktapur (kp 13/05/2017), IEDs found outside two candidates’ homes (kp 13/05/2017)

Nerve centre: With over 100,000 security personnel being deployed for the local level elections, the election security cell will serve as the hub, by Manish Gautam (kp 13/05/2017)

Senior politicians, ministers not to cast their votes in phase I polls (rep 13/05/2017)

Double symbol confuses voters, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 12/05/2017), Voters find ballot papers confusing (kp 12/05/2017)

Dozens of Nepalis stranded after Rasuwa border closure (kp 12/05/2017)

Grassroots democracy (nt 12/05/2017), Trial and error democracy: Nepal is experimenting with radical decentralisation in local elections, and does not have the luxury of failing, by Om Astha Rai (nt 12/05/2017)

EC all set to conduct phase one local polls (rep 12/05/2017)

Security upped for Sunday’s vote (kp 12/05/2017), 41 youths arrested (ht 12/05/2017), Police tighten security to prevent poll violence (ht 12/05/2017), NHRC casts doubts (ht 12/05/2017)

Three disable-friendly polling centers in Nuwakot and Rasuwa, by Bhagwati Lama (rep 12/05/2017) [All polling centres should have such provisions!]

Youths demand employment, elderly people seek allowance, by Janak KC (rep 12/05/2017)

Parties found using children in campaigns, by Anish Tiwari (kp 12/05/2017), Rights group concerned over use of schools, kids (kp 12/05/2017)

Journos urged to abide by election code of conduct (ht 12/05/2017)

Vehicles to stay off roads on Sunday (ht 12/05/2017), NTB to open shuttle service from Tribhuvan Int’l Airport on election day (kp 12/05/2017) [And what about travellers who are not going to stay in five-star hotels???]

Poll paraphernalia ramp up small traders’ business (kp 12/05/2017)

Local elections not a priority for foreign media (rep 12/05/2017)

The call of the ballot box (rep 12/05/2017)

It’s party time on the internet: … but still doubtful if the wave of digital campaigning in this local election will translate into votes, by Sonia Awale (nt 12/05/2017)

Why social media won’t change anything: We’re still a masu-bhat, raksi and ‘dai ko mama ko party’ type of nation and we tend to vote accordingly, by Gunjan Upadhyay (rep 12/05/2017)

Incidents of violence a cause for concern: EC; Political leaders point finger at each other for cases of violence, clashes (kp 11/05/2017), UML activist killed in clash, by Rajendra Manandhar (kp 11/05/2017), Son of UML candidate killed in clash with Maoists, by Ramesh Khatiwada (rep 11/05/2017), Violence in the time of polls: Govt and security forces need to be alert, but constructive public engagement is best policing (kp 11/05/2017), Unidentified groups detonate explosive devices in three districts (kp 12/05/2017), Police alerted by recent acts of violence, by Manish Gautam (kp 12/05/2017), EC panel probing deadly Dolakha clash (rep 12/05/2017)

Voters perplexed as parties forge ‘strange’ electoral alliances (rep 11/05/2017)

Second phase poll date can’t be changed: Yadav (kp 11/05/2017)

EC: Silence period to kick in from Thursday midnight (kp 11/05/2017)

Candidates fail to impress Sindhupalchok quake victims, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/05/2017)

Election activities nil in Rautahat (ht 11/05/2017)

Spending in poll campaign different this time, by Rudra Pangeni (rep 11/05/2017), Candidates spending millions for campaigns, by Hari Krishna Gautam (rep 11/05/2017)

Confusion still reigns among voters, by Binod Ghimire and Anish Tiwari (kp 11/05/2017), Many voters in Surkhet say they don’t know how to vote, by Prakash Adhikari (kp 11/05/2017)

EC lifts ban on ministers from participating in campaign (kp 11/05/2017)

Temporary cops to be deployed in areas other than they come from (kp 11/05/2017)

People returning to villages to cast their votes, by Narahari Sapkota (rep 11/05/2017)

Social media a strong tool this poll season? Difficult to say it indeed will have an impact on voters: Experts, by Binod Ghimre (kp 10/05/2017)

NHRC concerned about travel arrangement for elderly, differently abled, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 10/05/2017)

Locals living on city fringes ‘unaware’ of voting process (kp 10/05/2017)

Voter education drive to continue till poll eve (kp 10/05/2017)

Polls expenditure ceiling criticized as impractical, by Santosh Neupane (rep 10/05/2017)

First-time voters voice their preferences (ht 10/05/2017)

Biplav’s party ‘major obstacle’ to polls, by Janak Nepal and Tularam Pandey (kp 10/05/2017)

NC, Maoist Centre supporters clash in Rukum (kp 10/05/2017)

Half of polling centres most sensitive: MoHA, by Manish Gautam (kp 10/05/2017)

Internet voting: Viva la revolución: In the age of internet, rather than voting every five years at a polling booth, we could vote directly, issue-by-issue, using our smartphones, by Manish Pokharel and Bimal Pratap Shah (rep 10/05/2017)

Counting soon after May 14 polls (kp 09/05/2017)

Dalit women candidates face discrimination, by Janak Nepal, Tularam Pandey and LP Devkota (kp 09/05/2017)

CEC urges parties to abide by poll code (kp 09/05/2017), EC seeks clarification from UML candidates, CPN-MC’s whip (ht 09/05/2017)

Cops file public offence case against 19 CPN M cadres (ht 09/05/2017)

Jumla youths prefer yarsa to elections, by LP Devkota (09/05)

‘Chief Election Officer hiring trade union members’ (ht 09/05/2017)

Security department chiefs inspect Bara voting centres (ht 09/05/2017)

Election code of conduct: EC team to keep close vigil (kps 08/05/2017)

Media Coverage Of Polls, by P. Kharel (rn 08/05/2017)

2 forces to answer EC over motorcycle rally (kp 07/05/2017)

10 embassies to observe polls in Valley (kp 07/05/2017)

IED recovered from NC candidate’s house, 5 held (kp 06/05/2017)

Over 49,000 in fray for May 14 elections (ht 05/05/2017)

SC seeks govt clarification over voting rights of Nepali migrant workers (rep 05/05/2017)

Third gender barred from contesting poll, by Anjali Subedi (rep 05/05/2017)

Seven candidates withdraw nomination in Hetauda (ht 05/05/2017)

Thousand-plus candidates vying for 391 posts in Lamjung (ht 05/05/2017)

Dozens elected unopposed (kp 04/05/2017), Candidates elected unopposed in various districts (rep 04/05/2017)

Disabled worry privacy violation while casting vote, by Pooja Chauhan (rep 04/05/2017)

EC wants schools closed for 7 days for May 14 polls (rep 04/05/2017) [Why?]

Major parties looking to forge electoral alliances (ht 04/05/2017)

It’s not done yet: The first-phase nomination has gone very well, but the second phase still has political hurdles (kp 04/05/2017)

Two-phase election is problematic, says Bipin Adhikari (rn 04/05/2017) [interview], Polls Amidst Polemics, by Mukti Rijal (rn 04/05/2017), Local Polls And Emerging Developments, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 04/05/2017)

Around 44,000 nominations filed for May 14 polls, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 04/05/2017)

In Kaski, electoral mood in overdrive (kp 04/05/2017)

Poll officials face difficulties to reach Upper Dolpa, by Thakur Singh Tharu and Bishnu Lal Budha (kp 02/05/2017)

Against odds, EC sets stage for May 14 polls, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 02/05/2017)

Female leaders forced to accept candidacy for second position (ht 02/05/2017)

Voting centre location excludes disabled, pregnant women (ht 02/05/2017)

No woman candidate for major post in Mugu, by Suman Malla (rep 02/05/2017)

Nominations for first phase of local polls today, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 02/05/2017)

Confusion looms over local polls: mpeachment motion against CJ Karki precipitates a series of events from Nidhi quitting as home minister to coalition partner RPP-N considering exit (kp 01/05/2017)

The election blunder: National integration is more important than elections to satisfy the ‘ego’ of certain persons linked to implementing the constitution in its current form, by Hari Bansh Jha (rep 01/05/2017)

Sole woman candidate for local level election in Kalikot (rep 01/05/2017)

Polls: Parties hop on youth bandwagon (kp 01/05/2017)

India to gift vehicles to EC (kp 01/05/2017)

Election candidate injured by bullet shot during police live-fire exercise (kp 01/05/2017)

Govt to mobilise 50,000 Myadi police for second phase of elections (kp 30/04/2017)

50,000 observers for local level elections (ht 30/04/2017)

Embassies seek EC nod to observe polls outside KTM, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 29/04/2017), Int'l community concerned over foreign observers' absence in local polls, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 29/04/2017), EC to let diplomats observe polls in Valley (ht 29/04/2017)

Hardly any female aspirant for major posts in Dhading, by Shankar Shrestha (rep 29/04/2017)

UML picks male candidates for top local level posts in Siraha (ht 29/04/2017) [This is the UML understanding of inclusion and equality!]

Muslim community demands rethink on phase II poll date (rep 29/04/2017)

Yarsha season affecting local elections, by Kalendra Sejuwal (rep 29/04/2017)

Candidates start making their election manifestos public, by Nagendra Upadhyaya (rep 29/04/2017)

Polls deferral worries candidates of election expense: Prospective candidates have been spending Rs 10, 000 on a daily basis for their promotional campaign, by Daman Rai (rep 28/04/2017)

Not yet there (nt 28/04/2017)

RJP-N misses time to enlist for Phase I vote: New party only informs poll body about the merger of six Madhes-based parties to become RJP-N and demands ‘umbrella’ as its election symbol, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 27/04/2017)

Nawalparasi, Rukum polls in two phases (kp 27/04/2017)

Local leaders turn to social media to woo electorate: Many voters strongly feel that the elections are won on the ground, that the numbers of likes and shares on social networking sites are not the deciding factor, by Pradeep Menyangbo (kp 27/04/2017)

Active Citizens For Local Govt, by Mukti Rijal (rn 27/04/2017), Setting The Stage For Conducting Polls, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 27/04/2017)

EC to begin vote counting shortly after phase I polls, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 26/04/2017)

Too many candidates in big parties, small parties struggle to find aspirants, by Sangam Gharti Magar (rep 26/04/2017)

Election fever grips rural municipalities of Koshi-Mechi (rep 26/04/2017)

EC unveils Phase II poll schedule (ht 25/04/2017)

No foreign observers for local polls: EC (ht 25/04/2017)

Govt confirms June 14 as Phase II polling day: Cabinet approves contents of revised constitution amendment bill; Call to defer April 29 deadline for candidate nomination bya few days in states 3, 4 and 6, where vote takes place first (kp 24/04/2017), PM: Deuba govt to oversee June vote (kp 24/04/2017)

Gathabandhan to take part in two-phase local elections: Govt agrees to fast-track endorsement of a revised constitution amendment proposal, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 23/04/2017), Two-phase poll OK, but changes could hamper preparations, says EC: Warns that local elections could become uncertain, by Rupesh Acharya (ht 23/04/2017)

Ballot paper printing over, being sent to district (kp 23/04/2017)

Yadav directs NGOs not to influence vote (kp 21/04/2017)

‘Preparations in final stage’ (kp 21/04/2017)

Ballot papers, voter IDs printed: EC (ht 21/04/2017)

Meritocracy At Local Polls, by Mukti Rijal (rn 20/04/2017), Conducting Polls Amid Protests, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 20/04/2017)

18,572 polling booths set up (kp 20/04/2017)

Security chiefs say measures in place for local elections (kp 19/04/2017)

Police disrupt Chand party’s anti-poll events (kp 19/04/2017)

NP fails to arrange dress for temporary police (kp 18/04/2017)

China provides 11 types of poll materials: EC purhcases indelible ink on its own (rep 18/04/2017)

Election activities yet to kick off in rural areas, locals confused (ht 18/04/2017)

Morcha’s protests challenge for polls: Security officials, by Thakur Singh Tharu (kp 18/04/2017)

Senior citizens hope to take one last shot at polls: Ageing people say it is their last chance to cast vote, by Daman Rai (rep 18/04/2017)

People excited to cast vote in local polls, say voter educators: Local political leaders in particular, who seem to be excited about the elections, are providing help in all possible ways, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 18/04/2017)

Law bars issuing poll symbols to parties outside House, says Yadav, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/04/2017)

EC concerned over voters’ ID distribution (kp 17/04/2017)

Parties violating poll code in Dhankuta (ht 17/04/2017)

EC opens offices of chief returning officers in all 75 districts, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 17/04/2017)

Delayed poll education programme: Concerns grow over low voter turnout, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 16/04/2017)

EC to open offices of chief poll officers today (kp 16/04/2017)

Ruling parties for single-phase polls: Dahal, Deuba and Thapa assert that elections will be held on May 14 even if the Madhesi Morcha refuses to participate (kp 15/04/2017)

Partyfull Panchayat: The parliament should immediately correct this constitution-defying apartheid law and allow all parties to use their party symbols as electoral symbols, by Ujwal Thapa (rep 15/04/2017)

EC finalises polling stations across nation (ht 15/04/2017)

Govt delay in releasing funds puts temporary cops at their wits’ end: With no cash in hand, recruits are facing hard time managing food and lodging, by Manish Gautam (kp 15/04/2017)

EC chief drops a hint about polls in two phases, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 14/04/2017)

Poll panel to deploy more than 21,000 voter educators across the country (ht 14/04/2017)

EC chief urges coordination among election officers (ht 13/04/2017)

It's too late to raise the number of local bodies: Paudyal (rep 12/04/2017)

Election materials: Items from China arriving today (kp 12/04/2017)

Polling stations finalised for 74 districts (ht 12/04/2017)

More than 50 organisations apply to EC to monitor polls, by Binod Ghimire (kp 11/04/2017)

EC begins training election officers across country (kp 11/04/2017)

EC seeks poll security expenditure estimate from home ministry (ht 11/04/2017)

MoHA seeks EC nod to transfer 300 police officers (rep 11/04/2017)

Four Province 2 districts finalise polling stations (ht 10/04/2017)

Voter education materials sent to districts (ht 09/04/2017)

EC to distribute voter identity cards from May 11; May retain 2013 polling stations in six districts of province 2 (ht 08/04/2017)

EC seeks govt nod to print ballot papers for Province 2 (ht 07/04/2017)

Not enough time to educate voters: EC; Poll panel fears higher percentage of invalid votes than witnessed in 2013 CA elections, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 06/04/2017)

EC pressured into relaxing election code, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 06/04/2017)

Dozens of mayoral aspirants from big parties in Koshi hills (rep 06/04/2017)

Local Level Election: Confidence And Suspicions, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 05/04/2017)

I/NGOs told to follow election code (kp 05/04/2017) [Those providing relief to earthquake victims before the elections shall be arrested????]

Ballot papers printed for 60 districts; EC starts voter education training across the country (ht 05/04/2017)

Teachers quit job for civic polls (kp 05/04/2017)

Number of voters in Tarai up by 15.46 pc, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 04/04/2017) [Nevertheless is the number of registered voters in the Tarai less than in the rest of the country even though the population is higher according to national census!]

District judges to oversee polls (ht 04/04/2017)

PM explores possibility of polls in two phases, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 04/04/2017) [Why?], Polls in all 744 local units in one go: EC, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 05/04/2017)

Province 1 awaits election in anticipations of first-ever mayors, by Raju Adhikari and Bhim Chapagain (rep 04/04/2017)

Carter Center applies for monitoring local elections: Besides Carter Center, the Norwegian embassy, the USAID had also inquired the EC recently for poll monitoring roles, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 03/04/2017)

14.054m people eligible to vote: EC (kp 03/04/2017), 14,054,482 voters for local polls (ht 03/04/2017), Over 14 million eligible to vote in local polls, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 03/04/2017)

Democracy becomes much dearer, by Rudra Pangeni (rep 03/04/2017)

Bibeksheel moves court demanding election symbol (rep 03/04/2017)

Female turnout disappoints EC: Women job aspirants account for only 14pc of total 179,486 applicants, by Manish Gautam (kp 02/04/2017)

Election Commission vows to hold local polls in free and fair manner (kp 01/04/2017)

Hustle and bustle at EC, as poll preparations in full swing, by Anjali Subedi (rep 01/04/2017)

‘10k ballot boxes arrive at Kerung’ (kp 01/04/2017)

EC seeks PM help on polling centres in Province 2 (kp 31/03/2017)

BRB issues 48-hr ultimatum to PM: Demands participation in local polls (kp 31/03/2017), NSN to protest at EC, election offices (ht 02/04/2017), BRB caught from EC, released (kp 03/04/2017), Police detain Bhattarai among dozens from demo outside EC (ht 03/04/2017)

Local polls bring job opportunity for many, by Anup Ojha (kp 31/03/2017)

Udayapur youths miffed at not being able to vote (ht 30/03/2017) [???]

Even if election is deferred in Province-2 the rest of the country will vote on May 14, interview with Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav (rep 30/03/2017)

Voter card printing to begin April 2, 14m voters to get IDs, by Bhadra Sharma (ht 30/03/2017)

Big party mayoral aspirants in Pokhara, Bharatpur, by Santosh Pokharel and Sangeet Sangroula (rep 30/03/2017), Major parties initiate process to pick candidates for local polls (rep 30/03/2017)

UML reports EC about threats, code violation, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 29/03/2017)

Officials discuss security issues on Monday in view of Morcha protests: Point to challenges in holding elections in eastern Tarai districts (kp 28/03/2017), Security Council recommends Army deployment for May polls: The decision should be endorsed by Parliament within a month of the deployment (kp 28/03/2017)

China pledges Rs 136m assistance for local polls: PM says he ‘had open and candid discussion with Chinese president’; Two leaders hold talks on important issues related to bilateral interest, by Anil Giri (kp 28/03/2017)

EC bars trade union office bearers from election duty, by Arjun Poudel (ht 28/03/2017)

Polling stations fixed in 68 districts: Task remains in six districts of Province 2 and Dhading (kp 28/03/2017)

Finance Ministry releases Rs3.4b for election security (kp 27/03/2017), Additional security sought in tarai districts for upcoming polls, by Roshan Sedhai (rep 27/03/2017)

Six districts of Province 2 yet to finalise polling stations (ht 27/03/2017)

Ballot papers printed for 36 districts, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 27/03/2017)

Leaders, locals take to social media to announce candidature, by Nagendra Upadhyay and Mukti Prasad Neupane (rep 27/03/2017)

Refining Electoral Democracy, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 26/03/2017)

Poll Campaign Advertising, by Krishna Shrestha (rn 25/03/2017)

Publish ‘minority’ list, EC asks govt, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/03/2017)

Ballot papers for 18 districts printed (ht 25/03/2017)

EC assured of poll security (ht 24/03/2017)

EC yet to get started on voter education, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 24/03/2017)

Criteria for national parties: 3 percent vote share, 1 FPTP seat a must, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/03/2017), Threshold of 3pc plus one FPTP seat for national party (rep 23/03/2017), House endorses Bill on Political Parties with threshold provision (ht 23/03/2017), For stability: This bill is very important for holding three tiers of elections that are not very far off and there is little time to prepare for all these elections (ht 24/03/2017) [The treshold is necessary, but your argument that the major political parties are inclusive is wrong!]

Parties missing deadline in some districts allowed to contest polls (ht 23/03/2017)

Poll security in 8 tarai districts a big challenge (rep 23/03/2017)

NSC nod to deploy army for elections (ht 23/03/2017)

EC set to publish notice for polls: The election body says it will allow only national institutions to observe the elections (kp 23/03/2017)

Polling station fixing in ‘2 days’ (kp 22/03/2017)

Wheels for polls: MoHA, EC seek vehicles (rep 22/03/2017)

EC seeks Indian, Chinese assistance (ht 22/03/2017)

House passes bill relating to wards and constituency: Provision to allow division of one ward between two constituencies (ht 21/03/2017)

JEOC to mobilize 200,000 security personnel for local elections, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 21/03/2017)

Lies, damn lies and statistical lies: When elections do not reflect the will of the people, they could become a problem in themselves, by Narayan Manandhar (kp 19/03/2017)

Poll code of conduct for observers endorsed (kp 19/03/2017)

Province 2 likely to see heavy police presence during local elections, by Manish Gautam (kp 19/03/2017)

4 secretaries summoned over poll code (kp 19/03/2017)

EC chief takes his poll concerns to PM Dahal: Calls for environment to accommodate all parties for May 14 elections, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 18/03/2017)

EC removes Hindu state, monarchy from RPP’s statute (ht 18/03/2017) [The correct way would have been not to register anti-national parties like the RPP-Nepal that stand aginst the fundamental principals of Nepali state and society and try to disturb social harmony!!], EC removes 'Hindu state', 'monarchy' from RPP's statute, by Bhadra (rep 18/03/2017), Election Commission robbed us of our soul, says Kamal Thapa (ht 18/03/2017), EC move can ruin poll environment: Thapa; Objects to removal of ‘Hindu state’, ‘monarchy’ from his party statute, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 19/03/2017)

Up to 11 security personnel to be deployed per polling booth: An estimated 226,000 security personnel including intelligence officials are likely to be deployed during the polls, according to MoHA officials (rep 18/03/2017)

Six types of ballot papers for local level elections (kp 18/03/2017)

Few days delay in printing ballots 'not serious', by Bhadra Sharma (rep 18/03/2017)

No temp cops in sensitive districts: Govt (kp 18/03/2017)

Quandary over election symbol allocation, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 17/03/2017), EC awards electoral symbols to 26 parties: A total of 79 political parties have been registered with the EC for the upcoming local elections (kp 18/03/2017)

Flagged off: With local polls less than two months away, the Nepali public sphere is abuzz with talk of candidates for mayors or village council chiefs, by Om Astha Rai (nt 17/03/2017)

Question of threshold: A stabilising factor, by Pranav Bhattarai (ht 17/03/2017)

EC clips wings of ministers, MPs, secys: Election Commision bans foreign junkets till polls are over, by Arjun Poudel (ht 17/03/2017)

Home ministry seeks security threat reports from districts (rep 17/03/2017)

255 returning officers deputed for local polls (rep 16/03/2017)

Over three lakh voters in Chitwan local bodies (ht 15/03/2017)

EC seeks army’s role for ballot printing security (rep 15/03/2017)

EC seeks logistical help from neighbors, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 15/03/2017)

Additional cash to conflict victims: EC appears softer towards govt on poll code violation; Former commissioners say govt decision untimely, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 14/03/2017) [As usual, the politicians get active ahead of elections, but they will forget their promises immediately after the elections!]

EC seeks local election security plan, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 13/03/2017)

EC to start printing ballot papers soon, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 13/03/2017)

EC to procure 30,000 ballot boxes from AIT: Selected as its quoted price of Rs106.8 million to supply ballot boxes and the security seals was the lowest among six bidders (kp 13/03/2017)

Local polls elate women leaders, by Raju Adhikari (rep 13/03/2017)

EC puts expenditure cap for candidates (kp 12/03/2017)

EC asks govt to depute staff to local levels by Thursday, by Rupesh Acharya (ht 12/03/2017)

Electoral Violence, by Prabin Manandhar (sp 10/03/2017)

Govt brings bill for delineation of electoral constituencies (rep 09/03/2017)

EC And Electoral Integrity, by Mukti Rijal (rn 09/03/2017), Local Polls & Strengthening Of Democracy, by Uttam Maharjan (rn 09/03/2017)

EC now at point of no return: CEC Yadav, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 09/03/2017)

Govt hands over local level restructuring report to EC, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 09/03/2017), Districts to get LBRC report (ht 10/03/2017)

EC seeks operational plan from security agencies (kp 07/03/2017)

Local polls cost may cross Rs40b mark (kp 06/03/2017)

Debate over poll-related bill surfaces (rep 06/03/2017)

EC bars PM from electioneering (rep 06/03/2017), PM, ministers directed to comply with poll code, by Arjun Poudel (ht 06/03/2017)

EC not to call international observers for local polls (kp 05/03/2017)

Poll body seeks support from India and China: The Election Commission says it has sought support from the neighbouring countries to prevent a lengthy procurement procedure, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 05/03/2017)

Election Commission to buy 30,000 ballot boxes (kp 04/03/2017)

Minister breaches election code of conduct (kp 03/03/2017), Govt breaches poll code, appoints 4 VCs (rep 03/03/2017), PM uses chopper to ride roughshod over poll code, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 04/03/2017)

‘Avoid use of schools as polling centres’ (ht 03/03/2017)

EC tells ministers not to engage in campaigning, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 02/03/2017)

EC registers 81 parties for local polls (kp 02/03/2017)

70,000 temporary police recruits on cards for local polls, by Manish Gautam (kp 01/03/2017), 105,000 civil servants to be deployed for local polls, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 01/03/2017). 226,000 security personnel to be deployed for local polls (kp 02/03/2017)

Elections, parties and money: Creating a fund with tax deductible donations can end campaign finance corruption, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 28/02/2017)

Baidhya and Chand-led Maoist parties won’t be able to contest local polls: EC (ht 28/02/2017)

Election Commission proposes expenditure limits for local polls: Rs 700k highest amount a candidate can spend, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 27/02/2017), Seven-lakh ceiling set on poll spending, by Arjun Poudel (ht 27/02/2017), Govt’s dillydallying puts EC in a fix to begin ‘actual preparations’, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 27/02/2017)

SC refuses to register 'right to reject' plea, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 27/02/2017)

EC books 30 parties (rep 27/02/2017)

Poll symbol rule riles fringe forces, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 26/02/2017)

Delay in bringing poll code a major cause for concern: We’ll take a decision most probably by tomorrow: EC, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/02/2017)

Poll expenses likely to touch Rs 20 billion: Rs 10.3b already approved for Election Commissionn; MoHA yet to finalise budget required for security, by Anil Giri and Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 24/02/2017), EC prefers local resources over external help for upcoming polls (ht 24/02/2017)

MoHA starts homework for poll security plan (kp 23/02/2017), EC makes public election schedule (kp 23/02/2017)

Local Election A Reality Now!, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn) [They should have been held together with the election for the two constituent assemblies in 2008 and 2013, but this has been prevented by the leaders of NC, UML and the Maoists! Reasons for this denial that had given by them then are still valid!]

Cabinet sets May 14 as local election date, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 21/02/2017), Local polls after 20 years, finally, by Kosh Raj Koirala (rep 21/02/2017), Morcha announces stir, by Roshan Sedhai (kp 21/02/2017), UML welcomes announcement (kp 21/02/2017), With shortest time ever for poll preparations, EC faces daunting task, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 21/02/2017)

1.5 pc threshold proposed for upcoming parliamentary poll, by Ashok Dahal (rep 20/02/2017)

EC needs Rs 10.3 billion for civic elections (ht 20/02/2017)

EC presses ‘close’ button on EVM purchase for now: Move follows controversy that the election body was in bid to buy the machines without competition, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 16/02/2017), Amid controversy, EC drops plan to use Smartmatic EVMs, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 17/02/2017)

PHSC endorses new election commissioners (rep 15/02/2017)

EC starts preparing for civic elections (ht 14/02/2017)

EC registers over 250,000 new voters (rep 13/02/2017)

Breaking the threshold: All the making and breaking of post-1990 governments have been due to the big parties, not the small ones, by Deepak Thapa (kp 09/02/2017), Fringe parties: Threshold design to disenfranchise marginalised groups; The bill related to political parties, which awaits parliamentary nod, requires a national party to pass 3 percent vote threshold in parliamentary polls (kp 10/02/2017)

Crucial bill on local elections stalled, by Prakash Timilsina (rep 09/02/2017)

PM roots for EVMs, others sceptical (rep 08/02/2017), Moves to buy EVM stirs controversy (kp 09/02/2017), Developers of Nepali voting machine feel discouraged, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 09/02/2017)

Local Polls Vehicle Of Grassroots Democracy, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 05/02/2017)

Letter from govt lacks clarity, says poll body: EC yet to take a decision on how to respond to the government missive (kp 04/01/2017), Election body to ask govt for polling date: To write to the Cabinet today to make matters clear, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 06/02/2017)

Political parties are trying to sabotage Election Commission, interview with Neel Kantha Uprety (rep 04/02/2017)

Nepali workers abroad still unable to vote, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 04/02/2017)

Local level election bill endorsed (kp 03/02/2017)

Election Commission: Maintaining Independence, by Mukti Rijal (rn 02/02/2017)

45 parties registered with EC for local elections, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 02/02/2017)

District judge to be poll commissioner: Provisions on vote threshold and election symbols in the bill on political parties are contentious. The major parties want a threshold of votes to ensure a seat for a party in the Parliament but fringe parties have been opposing the provision (ht 01/02/2017)

No Alternative To Elections, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn 31/01/2017), Election And The New Generation, by Prem Khatry (rn 31/01/2017)

‘EC gradually losing autonomy’, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 30/01/2017)

Three members recommended for EC, by Tika R. Pradhan (kp 28/01/2017)

Parliament endorses two poll-related bills (kp 26/01/201), Parties barred from accepting donations from NGOs, govt agencies; Motorbike/vehicle rallies banned; Wall paintings/pamphleteering on public/private walls prohibited (rep 28/01/2017), 'Right to reject' removed from election bill (rep 28/01/2017)

Local Polls: A Political Discourse, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 25/01/2017)

‘Ready to hold local level polls within May-June’, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 25/01/2017)

Parties continue to bicker over threshold: Parties that are against threshold say big political parties want to maintain monopoly by keeping the provision, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 25/01/2017)

Ensure Early Polls, by Yuba Nath Lamsal (rn 24/01/2017)

PM consults CEC on local elections, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 24/01/2017)

Polls impossible if date not fixed within a week, says Shrestha: PM’s press adviser Govinda Acharya says government would set the date only after endorsing essential election-related bills (kp 21/01/2017)

EC invites former election chiefs to seek their views, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 20/01/2017)

Polls uncertain as govt ties up amendment and election bills (rep 20/01/2017)

Fixing election date: Sub-panel for further deliberation (kp 19/01/2017), EC: Polls unlikely in May-June if issues not resolved in 10 days, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 19/01/2017)

Improving Laws For Federal Elections, by Mukti Rijal (rn 19/01/2017)

EC seeks laws pronto for local polls in May, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 18/01/2017), Local polls possible in May only if laws ready by Jan: ECN chief (ht 18/01/2017)

Crisis of confidence: If three elections are to be held by next January, parties need to strike an immediate deal (kp 16/01/2017)

‘Local elections by May-end’: PM Dahal’s political adviser Chakrapani Khanal says dates will be announced in 10 days: Ruling Maoist Centre and NC ‘unwilling’ to wait until the amendment bill is passed to announce the local poll dates, by Sarin Ghimire (kp 13/01/2017)

Lawmakers want amendment bill to state poll dates (ht 10/01/2017)

Sub-panel seeks more time to talk poll-related bills: A meeting of the State Affairs Committee is expected to extend the deadline on Sunday (kp 08/01/2017)

EC ‘not well-prepared’ as elections draw near, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 03/01/2017), Election Commission preparing for local polls against all odds: The election-governing body may formally ask parties to register names for local polls in a week; Officials believe the decision could spur parties into shifting their focus towards elections, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 04/01/2017), EC to estimate the number of parties contesting polls (rep 05/01/2017), Printing ballot papers for local elections may take two months: EC, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 06/01/2017)

EC needs five laws, admin centres for local polls by May, by Prakash Acharya (ht 01/01/2017)

‘Govt may ask EC to prepare for elections’, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 31/12/2016) [And what about corresponding laws that are a preconditions for the preparation of elections?]

Govt drops right to reject provision in elections: Experts describe move as regressive, by Bhadra Sharma (rep 30/12/2016)

EC to have less time as election laws unlikely before a month: 11-member taskforce will submit its report to State Affairs Committee after sorting contentious issues (kp 25/12/2016)

Voter list updated in Mountain districts (kp 25/12/2016)

Local elections: Apex court sets up amicus curiae; Seeks opinion from six experts to decide on whether to hold polls under existing structure or new set-up (kp 22/12/2016), Sub-committee(s) to finalise election laws: Three election related bills have been languishing at the State Affairs Committee of Parliament for more than two months (kp 22/12/2016), Sub-panel formed to finalise threepoll-related bills (kp 23/12/2016)

PM rules out local polls in old set-up (kp 21/12/2016)

Parties divided over choice of poll modality, by Sarin Ghimire (kp 15/12/2016)

Govt registers two poll related bills: Up to three-year jail term, Rs 2 lakh fine proposed for those violating election laws, by Prakash Acharya (ht 15/12/2016)

Lack of election laws puts EC in a fix, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 13/12/2016), All nine election-related bills still in pipeline, by Ashok Dahal (rep 13/12/2016)

Parties mulling civic polls under existing structure (ht 13/12/2016)

UML, Madhesi parties doubt polls by constitution deadline, by Roshan Sedhai (kp 12/12/2016)

Local bodies told to help EC update voter list (ht 11/12/2016)

Bill proposes hike in penalty for poll-related offences (kp 06/12/2016)

Early local polls crucial to holding four layers of election in next 14 months: Clouds of uncertainty hang over elections after the government registered a constitution amendment bill in Parliament, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 02/12/2016)

PM proposes local polls by mid-April, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/12/2016) [??], Four parties discuss holding local polls (rep 01/12/2016)

EC working on voter list (kp 30/11/2016)

Legal hurdle remains in Nepalis voting from abroad (kp 29/11/2016)

No election without political consensus: CEC Yadav (rep 29/11/2016)

Lawmakers want voting age to be lowered to 16 years (ht 26/11/2016)

Fringe parties against vote threshold to ensure seat for party in Parliament, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 25/11/2016) [This was to be expected but the number of parties in parliament has to be reduced dramatically if Nepal shall have a chance for reasonable politics in future!], ig and small parties sharply divided over vote threshold (rep 26/11/2016)

21 January 2018: Nepal’s politics is sliding towards the edge of the cliff, and there isn’t much time left to meet the deadline for an elected Federal Parliament (nt 25/11/2016)

Civil society urges government to announce local election date (kp 23/11/2016)

Govt, EC at odds over right to fix poll date, by Kosh Raj Koirala (kp 23/11/2016)

EC should declare poll date: Nidhi (kp 21/11/2016)

EC starts updating voter rolls in 21 districts from today (rep 19/11/2016)

52 parties fail to re-registerTo be barred from upcoming polls if decision is not reviewed, says CEC (kp 16/11/2016)

Lawmakers push for stronger EC (kp 14/11/2016), EC seeks more authority for free, fair polls (ht 14/11/2016)

EC updating voters’ list in 21 districts in first phase, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 13/11/2016)

‘Public funding of parties necessary to check poll anomalies’ (ht 08/11/2016) [??]

EC wants power to announce poll dates, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 06/11/2016)

Local bodies’ support sought to update electoral rolls (ht 05/11/2016)

Only three of nine election-related bills arrive in parliament (rep 28/10/2016)

Local polls in mid-March: CEC (kp 27/10/2016)

Proposed Electoral Bills: Some Provisions Questioned, by Mukti Rijal (rn 27/10/2016)

EC asks parties to furnish details for re-registration: The notice follows two rounds of talks with the parties about finding a common view on re-registration (kp 21/10/2016)

Better get going: Denial of local democracy has resulted in grievous injury to almost every aspect of national life, by Krishna Man Pradhan (kp 21/10/2016)

Provide Autonomy: Election Commission should be empowered to announce as well as organise elections (kp 18/10/2016)

3 poll bills land in House panel (kp 17/10/2016), Poll bill proposals give EC more teeth: Clause 15 of the bill states that a political party should hold intra-party election at least once every five years in line with the statute of the concerned party (kp 17/10/2016)

NC, UML register proposals to amend poll-related bills: Say atleast 3pc votes must to get berth in parliament, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 08/10/2016)

Govt removes key provisions in poll related bills: Two or more parties can fight an election under the same election symbol after forming an alliance, by Prakash Acharya (ht 04/10/2016), Flawed bills: The Election Commission’s proposal allowing two or more political parties to take part in elections jointly under one single election symbol is flawed (ht 05/10/2016), The five basics: Reforms proposed in draft bills should be tabled in parliament in their original form and should on no account be mutilated based on whims and fancies of bureaucrats, by Ila Sharma, Election Commissioner (rep 05/10/2016), EC against revising draft bills for polls: The commission says key clauses have been either changed or dropped, by Binod Ghimire (kp 06/10/2016), Big III want key provisions of poll bills changed, by Prakash Acharya (ht 07/10/2016), Big parties propose differing thresholds: Small parties against any threshold; EC should fix election dates: UML, by Ashok Dahal (rep 07/10/2016), NC to discuss EC issue with other parties (kp 07/10/2016)

Deuba calls for timely local elections (kp 28/09/2016), Oli demands poll roadmap (kp 28/09/2016), Local Government: Fulfill Commitment To Hold Polls, by Mukti Rijal (rn 29/09/2016)

Electoral reforms: The main objective of providing the public fund to the political parties is to discourage the interest groups from getting their vested interests served through legal means (ht 28/09/2016), Govt registering bill denying EC power to set poll dates (rep 28/09/2016)

Submission of audit report: Election authority proposes axing defiant parties, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 20/09/2016), 11 parties removed from EC register (kp 24/09/2016)

EC should be vested with authority to announce election dates: Sharma, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 04/09/2016)

EC says 6 months for poll preparations (kp 29/08/2016)

Democracy 2.0: There is no reason why Nepali citizens should not get to vote over the internet, by Mahesh Singh Kathayat and Bimal Pratap Shah (kp 28/08/2016)

PM Dahal directs EC to start poll preparations, by Binod Ghimire (kp 23/08/2016), Local body restructuring: NC makes a pitch for at least 1,000 units; Deuba says elections a must, calls for consensus on statute amendment, by Sarin Ghimire (kp 23/08/2016) [Mr Deuba, you were the one who dissolved the last elected local bodes for political motives in 2002!!]

Direct Election To A Chief Executive And Prosperity, by Siddhi B Ranjitkar (km 21/08/2016)

EC ready to hold elections by January 2018: Yadav (ht 18/08/2016)

EC proposes 1.5 pc threshold for PR system: Also wants to bar candidates from contesting more than one constituency under FPTP, by Sangeet Sangrouls (ht 10/08/2016), EC for mandatory one-third women representatives (rep 11/08/2016)

Can’t work on polls sans local body report: EC (kp (10/08/2016)

NC, Maoist Centre for holding local elections in Feb-March, by Sarin Ghimire (kp 28/07/2016)

Effective electoral justice mechanism a must: Chief Justice (ht 26/07/2016)

Yadav okayed as election chief, by Binod Ghimire (kp 09/07/2016), CEC Yadav assumes office (kp 12/07/2016)

Preparing for the polls: The many and varied complexities of restructuring local bodies should be understood, by Khim Lal Devkota (kp 06/07/2016)

Laws must be in place first to hold polls: EC; PM Oli visits commission office to enquire about its preparedness, by Pratichya Dulal (kp 28/06/2016) [Govt and politicians think they can run the state by declarations and statements!]

EC moots public funding for parties, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 23/06/2016), State funding for elections: Money and muscle, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht 29/06/2016)

Election at all levels by Dec 2017: PM Oli (ht 16/06/2016), PM reaffirms local polls by mid-December, by Sangeet Sagroula (rep 16/06/2016)

Pun calls for polls in package (kp 05/06/2016), We should hold all three elections simultaneously under a unity govt, interview with Barsha Man Pun (kp 06/06/2016)

NC leader Singh proposes holding elections at all levels (ht 13/05/2016)

NC against civic polls under existing structures: UDMF also demands election to local bodies only after restructuring federal units, by Prakash Acharya (ht 10/05/2016), Cong objects to plan to hold local polls by Dec, by Binod Ghimre (kp 10/05/2016), Conditions must be met for local polls, says Election Commission (ht 10/05/2016), Local polls by December? Leaders say there’s a catch: Call for resolving political and technical complexities before elections, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (kp 11/05/2016), NC, UCPN-M rule out possibility of civic polls (ht 11/05/2016), Cong criticises govt’s policies, programmes (kp 11/05/2016), NC opposes local election plans (rep 11/05/2016), Hold local polls: As the largest party in parliament, Nepali Congress should have welcomed the plan of holding the local polls (ht 11/05/2016) [It has been NC chairman Deuba who dissolved the local bodies in 2002 for base motives! Obviously, he still wants to have them being dissolved forever!!]

EC proposes bill to fund parties, by Prakash Acharya (ht 28/04/2016)

EC working out plan to curb rigging, by Prakash Acharya (ht 11/04/2016)

India ex-poll chief for EC autonomy; Quraishi: Since Nepal’s election commission has no right to set the date, elections are not being held periodically (kp 06/04/2016)

Still pending: Local elections can institutionalise democratic processes or they can be a political tool, by Ajaya Bhadra Khanal (kp 06/04/2016)

Cabinet for amending Local Body Election Procedure Act (ht 02/04/2016), Local poll law moves forward: Cabinet decides to submit draft to Bill Committee under Prime Minister’s Office for final look before tabling it in Parliament, by Bhadra Sharma (kp 02/04/2016)

Election Commission wary of missing out on poll window (kp 22/03/2016)

Trials and errors: Hopefully Nepal will adopt best practices of other democracies to produce less flawed election results, by Pramod Mishra (kp 17/03/2016)

Speaker sends back CC recommendation of Yadav for EC chief (rep 11/03/2016)

Election Commission scraps registration of 15 political parties (ht 07/03/2016), Minister weighs case against EC: Prem Bahadur Singh says he will challenge Election Commission’s decision to scrap his Samajbadi Janata Party at Supreme Court (kp 10/03/2016)

Parties to report progress towards inclusion (kp 04/03/2016) [There will be hardly something to report!]

Parties not ensuring full representation to be crossed off EC list: Political parties need to ensure inclusive representation of women, Dalits and marginalised groups in their working committees and those of their sister organisations (kp 28/02/2016)

Election commission seeks mandate to fix election dates (rep 23/02/2016)

Dispute on hearings committee delays EC chief appointment, by Ashok Dahal (rep 08/02/2016)

Ex-EC commissioners suggest 1.5 pc threshold for PR seats (ht 02/02/2016), Fringe parties not for vote threshold (kp 06/02/2016)

EC urges prime minister to fix local election date (kp 08/01/2016)

Money in politics: In South Asia, elections are treated as festivals and voters as consumers of lies, by Sujeev Shakya (kp 22/12/2015)

Ayodhee Yadav recommended as new EC chief (kp 09/12/2015)

Preparations begin to fill vacancies in EC (kp 07/11/2015)

Election of local bodies still uncertain (ht 26/10/2015) [Party leaders don't need local elections! They are only interested in their power games at the centre, nothing else!]

Proportional representation: Start with humble threshold, by Birendra P. Mishra (ht 13/08/2015)

EC seeks more teeth for electoral reforms, by Bhadra Sharma (kp 20/07/2015)

Local polls possible only after December: EC (kp 17/07/2015)

Exclusionary elections: The draft consitution needs to restrict special representation to politically excluded groups, by Seira Tamang (kp 10/07/2015)

Sharma: Let EC announce elections (kp 10/07/2015)

Govt urged to hold local body election (kp 18/04/2015)

We should adopt fully proportional electoral system, interview with former Secretary and Chief Election Commissioner Bhojraj Pokhrel (rep 16/04/2015)

Baglung by-election today (kp 11/04/2015), Baglung-1 bypoll held peacefully (ht 12/04/2015), 73pc voters cast ballot in Baglung: By-election results to be out Sunday (kp 12/04/2015), NC candidate elected from Baglung-1, by Prakash Baral (kp), Khadka of NC wins; UCPN-M forfeits deposit (ht 14/04/2015)

Worth the paper? The use of machines in voting has definitely advantages; A vote once recorded in EVM cannot be tampered with, by Birendra Prasad Mishra (rep 19/03/2015)

EC bars nominations in Baglung-1 by-polls (ht 11/03/2015), 13 contenders file candidacy, by Prakash Baral (kp 16/03/2015)

UCPN-M fields Sharma for Baglung-1 by-poll (ht 08/03/2015), Sharma drops out of race for CA By-poll (kp 15/03/2015)

EC mulls reforms in election code of conduct (rep 04/02/2015)

New election code of conduct being formulated: Uprety (ht 03/02/2015)

Party finances: Election body to take action for non-compliance (kp 02/02/2015)

152 parties yet to submit expenditure details to EC (rep 26/01/2015)

Documents / Websites

Election Commission (EC)

Parliament & Provincial Election 2079 (Kantipur)

Election Updates (República)

Mero Pratinidhi [information on candidates 2022]

The ambition of politicians and the will of voters : Attempt of a first election analysis, by Karl-Heinz Krämer. Nepal Observer 78, 27 November 2022 [see also Khabarhub 29/11/2022]

European Union Election Observation Mission. House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly Elections, March 23 2018

Preliminary results of Nepal’s parliamentary elections of 2017 (with some comparisons to the CA elections of November 2013, by K.-H. Krämer, Nepal Observer 44, 17 December 2017

Elections in Nepal: 2017 Local Elections, Frequently Asked Questions, by International Foundation for Electoral Systems, 10 May 2017

The 2013 elections in Nepal, by David Gellner. Asian Affairs 45:2, 243-261, June 2014

European Union Election Observation Mission: Final Report, Constituent Assembly Elections, 19 November 2013

Results of the parliamentary elections, 3/17 May 1999

Evaluations from the parliamentary elections, 15 November 1994

Evaluations from the parliamentary elections, 12 May 1991

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