A total of 3,484 candidates have filed their candidacies in 165 constituencies for the upcoming House of Representatives elections. 2,297 candidates from 68 political parties and 1,187 candidates independently registered their nominations on Tuesday.

This time, there are more candidates than in the previous two elections to the House of Representatives. There were 2,411 candidates in the 2079 House of Representatives election and 1,944 candidates in 2074. 

After the nomination of candidates, the country has now become an election-filled country. Kantipur had a brief conversation with Acting Chief Commissioner of the Election Commission Ram Prasad Bhandari on the same topic: 

How was the nomination of candidates? 

It has been very encouraging and peaceful. It is seen that all parties have participated in the election. The number of candidates is also high. All the new and old parties have participated in the election. Independent candidates have also filed their candidacies. There is enthusiasm about the election. Now the common voters will exercise their rights freely. The sole objective of the commission is to conduct the election in a fair, clean and fearless manner. 

Amid various doubts that the election will not take place, candidacies have been registered for both proportional and direct. Do you see any kind of challenge to the election now? 

The phrase 'there will be no elections' is no more. We were constantly busy preparing for the election. All the work has been done as per the scheduled election program. Voters, candidates, and political parties have all started the election. 

There is about one and a half months left until the 21st Falgun polls. Doesn't this long period increase the expenses incurred by the candidates in their campaigning? 

The campaigning period has been fixed by the Commission. Candidates can campaign only from 4-18 Falgun. The election code of conduct clearly states what can and cannot be done in campaigning. The spending limit has also been fixed. Candidates will campaign within that period. After the final list of candidates comes and they receive the election symbol, they will be allowed to meet voters, go door to door, and seek their opinions. But to hold public meetings, seminars, and rallies, they will have to wait until 4-18 Falgun. Campaigning cannot be done during the silent period. 

Where have the election preparations reached? 

Preparations for election management have been made. Now only the election process remains. The printing of ballot papers for the proportional representation is underway. The printing of ballot papers for the direct representation will begin after the final list of candidates is received. After that, the ballot papers will be transported.