KATHMANDU: The Election Commission of Nepal has begun formal consultations with political parties as part of its preparations for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The discussion, chaired by Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, is currently underway at the Commission’s office in Kathmandu.

The meeting includes representatives from major political parties — Min Bishwakarma from the Nepali Congress, Guru Baral from CPN (UML), Dev Gurung from CPN (Maoist Centre), Hari Dhakal from Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Rajendra Pandey from CPN (Unified Socialist), among others.

During the meeting, Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari informed party representatives that any political organization wishing to participate in the election must complete registration with the Commission by November 16.

Currently, 122 political parties are registered with the Commission, with several new parties in the process of applying.

Those completing registration within the deadline and presenting their manifestos and programs will be eligible to contest.

While the Election Commission continues its preparations, political parties remain divided over the timing of the election.

The CPN (UML) has expressed support for reinstating Parliament, whereas other parties insist that the election should proceed as scheduled on March 5, 2026.