UML Finalizes Diverse Roster of 19 Candidates for National Assembly Elections

In a significant move towards inclusive representation, the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) has officially confirmed its roster of 19 candidates for the upcoming National Assembly (NA) elections, scheduled to take place on January 25.

The announcement was made by UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel following a crucial Secretariat meeting held on Sunday. The meeting served as the platform for finalizing the names of the nominees, ensuring a meticulous selection process that reflects a commitment to diversity and regional inclusivity.

Among the notable nominees, Rukmini Koirala (Sunsari) has been selected to represent women from the Koshi Province, while Parshuram Adhikari (Bhojpur) will be the candidate from the ‘other’ category. The CPN-UML has strategically chosen candidates for specific regions and communities, aiming to create a more representative National Assembly.

UML’s commitment to gender parity is evident with Usha Devi Tharuni (Parsa) nominated to represent women in the Madhes province, and Dr. Arjun Kumar Singh Rajput (Mahottari) selected for the ‘others’ category.

In the Bagmati Province, Rochkumari Chaulagai (Dolakha) and Trilochan Nirmal Poudel (Chitwan) will represent women, while Bibek Devkota (Kathmandu) has been chosen to represent the disabled-minorities category. Dhruba Raj Bishwakarma (Dhading) has been confirmed as the Dalit representative.

The candidates from Gandaki Province include Yamanda Devkota (Gorkha) for women, Chakra Bahadur Parajuli (Syangja) for the ‘others’ category, and Hemandra Sherchan (Mustang) for the disabled-minorities category.

In the Lumbini Province, Tulsa Kumari KC (Dang) will represent women, and Jhapendra Bahadur Gharti Chhetri (Palpa) will represent the ‘others’ category.

Karnali Province’s nominees feature Bimala Kumari Shahi (Humla) representing women, Dilli Prasad Bhatta (Mugu) for the ‘others’ category, and Hikmat BK (Dailekh) as the Dalit representative.

The Sudurpaschim Province will witness Sabitra Devi Ghimire (Kailali) representing women, Iswari Prasad Kharel (Kanchanpur) for the ‘others’ category, and Ram Chandra Joshi (Kailali) as the nominee for disabled-minorities.

This comprehensive and diverse lineup underscores the CPN-UML’s commitment to fostering representation that mirrors the rich tapestry of Nepal’s demographics. As the National Assembly elections approach, these candidates stand poised to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable political landscape.