Kathmandu, Jan 8: The Election Commission has reported the registration of nomination papers for 52 candidates across various groups for the upcoming National Assembly elections scheduled for January 11. The candidates are vying for a total of 19 seats distributed among seven provinces, with 17 candidates contesting for the women’s group, 6 for the Dalit group, 8 for persons with disabilities or minority communities, and 21 for other groups.

Shaligram Sharma Paudyal, the spokesperson for the Election Commission, stated that the nomination papers were filed from 10 am to 3 pm in the respective election offices of all seven provinces.

Here is the breakdown of registered candidates by province and group:

1. Koshi Province: 5 candidates for the women’s group, 5 for other groups.
2. Madhes Province: 5 candidates for the women’s group, 3 for other groups.
3. Bagmati Province: 15 candidates for women’s group, 3 for Dalit group, 4 for persons with disabilities or minority communities, and 4 for other groups.
4. Gandaki Province: 8 candidates for women’s group, 2 for persons with disabilities or minority communities, and 3 for other groups.
5. Lumbini Province: 7 candidates for women’s group, and 4 for other groups.
6. Karnali Province: 6 candidates for women’s group, 2 for Dalit group, and 2 for other groups.
7. Sudurpaschim Province: 6 candidates for women’s group, 2 for persons with disabilities or minority communities, and 2 for other groups.

As per the approved election schedule, complaints against candidates can be filed on January 24, nomination papers and complaints will be scrutinized on January 25 and 26, and the final list will be published after candidate withdrawals on January 27. Election symbols will be distributed to the candidates on January 28.