By-Election Fever Grips Nepal

In a flurry of political activity, the Election Commission (EC) has announced that a total of 20 political parties have thrown their hats into the ring for the upcoming by-elections in Ilam-2 constituency of the House of Representatives, scheduled for April 27.

According to Shaligram Sharma Paudel, the spokesperson for the EC, the enthusiasm for participation is palpable, with 19 parties also registering for the by-election in Bajhang 1(1) seat of the Sudurpashchim province Assembly. However, notable absence is observed as Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), under the leadership of Rabi Lamichhane, has opted out of the provincial assembly election.

Prominent political entities such as the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Center), among others, have stepped into the electoral arena, vying for victory in both federal parliament and provincial assembly by-elections.

The Ilam-2 constituency of the House of Representatives fell vacant following the untimely demise of CPN-UML Vice Chairperson Subash Chandra Nembang. Similarly, the Bajhang 1(1) seat of the Sudurpaschim Province Assembly awaits a new representative after the tragic passing of Prthvi Bahadur Singh in a road accident on June 20 last year.

With campaigns set to intensify and political fervor on the rise, the by-elections are poised to be a pivotal moment in Nepal’s democratic landscape, as parties vie for electoral dominance and voters contemplate the future direction of their nation.