In Nepal, the Election Commission (EC) has issued a 20-point directive to the political parties in view of the elections for the House of Representatives members, scheduled for 5th March next year.
Likewise, the EC has set the date of the upper house, National Assembly, elections for December next year, 26.
In order to ensure inclusive proportional representation in the election system, each political party has to guarantee representation of women candidates in a way that ensures one-third representation, and nominate candidates to ensure gender and inclusive representation in the first-past-the-post election.
Assistant Spokesperson Prakash Neupane said the directive, issued under Clause 57 of the Political Party Act, 2073, requires all registered parties to uphold good governance and ensure inclusive proportional representation in their internal processes and candidate selection.
Parties must guarantee that women account for at least one third of candidates and ensure gender and inclusive representation while nominating contenders for first-past-the-post seats.
Parties must ensure participation of women, inclusive groups and target communities in training, workshops, seminars, discussions and interactions.
Intimidation, defamation, insults, discriminatory behaviour or attempts at character assassination—direct or indirect—against women, children, persons with disabilities, inclusive groups or any candidate are prohibited during campaigns.