KATHMANDU, Dec 20: Nepali Communist Party (NCP) has introduced new eligibility criteria and selection standards for candidates contesting the upcoming National Assembly elections scheduled for January 25 and the House of Representatives (HoR) elections slated for March 5.
According to an internal party circular, prospective candidates must be legally, financially, socially and ideologically “spotless.” The party has stressed strict adherence to integrity, transparency and discipline in the nomination process.
Under the new rules, candidates for the HoR must be Nepali citizens aged at least 25, while those contesting the National Assembly must be 35 or older. Candidates must be registered voters and not disqualified under the Constitution or prevailing laws. Incumbent members of the National Assembly, Provincial Assemblies or local governments have been barred from seeking nomination.
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The party has placed special emphasis on financial probity. Individuals convicted by courts in corruption cases will be ineligible. Mandatory requirements include full compliance with tax and revenue obligations, absence from blacklists, and a clear declaration of assets and sources of income. Those found violating the party’s financial discipline will also be excluded.
Zero tolerance has been adopted on social conduct. Individuals convicted of caste or gender-based discrimination, domestic violence, sexual abuse, human trafficking or similar offences will not be considered for nomination.
Politically, candidates must demonstrate unwavering commitment to the party’s ideology and programmes, a consistent record of participation in political movements, social credibility and public acceptance. Expertise in policy matters, lawmaking capacity and public communication skills will also factor into recommendations.
For direct elections, committees are required to recommend up to five candidates per constituency, including at least one youth and one woman, with priority given to popular candidates with strong chances of victory. In proportional representation, mandatory inclusion of women, Dalits, indigenous, Madhesis and other clusters has been stipulated, with special preference for families of martyrs and the disappeared, conflict victims and marginalised communities. Recommending more than one person from the same family has been strictly prohibited.
Party leaders have said the criteria will be enforced rigorously to field only clean, people-oriented candidates, expressing confidence that the move will further strengthen the party’s electoral image.
