KATHMANDU: Harka Raj Rai alias Harka Sampang, the mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, has submitted an application to the Election Commission to register a new political party.

According to Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, Rai has applied to register the party under the name “Shram Sanskriti Party.”

Bhattarai added, “An application has been received to register a party under the name “Shram Sanskriti Party.” The commission is currently reviewing whether all required documents and procedures for registration have been completed.”

Rai submitted the application to the Election Commission on September 23. By law, a new party must be officially registered within 45 days of submitting the application.

Meanwhile, another application has been submitted to register a political party named “Nepal Nagarik Party.” According to the Election Commission, the party will be coordinated by senior advocate Surendra Bhandari, and the commission is processing its registration.

Following the government’s announcement of the election date on March 5, 2026, the Election Commission has started receiving applications for registration of new political parties.