#news #Nepal #ElectionUpdate
The Election Commission has announced the date for a by-election in Rupandehi Constituency No. 3. The upcoming by-election is set to take place in a constituency where the Congress leader Balkrishna Khadka had been a candidate in the previous election. The by-election date has been scheduled for Kartik 17.
Sher Bahadur Deuba, the President of the Nepali Congress, has been seen in close proximity to Shekhar Koirala, a leader from another party. Deuba’s stance on supporting Khadka in the upcoming by-election remains ambiguous, raising speculation within political circles. The central committee meeting of the Nepali Congress is ongoing in anticipation of the by-election, with no official announcement regarding support for any specific candidate so far. The discussion around nominating a candidate who had faced defeat in the 2079 general elections has stirred debates within the political landscape.
Regarding the legal implications of Khadka’s candidacy in the upcoming by-election, there are considerations arising from his involvement in various criminal cases like fraud, corruption, and organized crime. While the lower court had sent a summons to Khadka, the Supreme Court had acquitted him in one of the cases by dropping the charges against him.
Legal experts question whether Khadka will be eligible to contest in the upcoming by-election considering his past legal issues. As per the provisions of the Representation of the People Act 2074, individuals with criminal backgrounds are not automatically disqualified from running for office. The law allows for candidates like Khadka, despite allegations against them, to participate in elections unless convicted by a final court verdict.
Ramesh Khatri, representing Kansai Nepal News, states that the legal framework allows individuals like Khadka to run for office based on constitutional and legal grounds. However, the decision of political parties to nominate such candidates and the ethical implications of this move may raise concerns among the public.
In conclusion, the by-election in Rupandehi-3 has attracted the attention of various national parties preparing for the upcoming polls. The Maoist Center’s decision to field a single candidate in the by-election has sparked discussions within the political arena. Additionally, the Federal Democratic Front, a coalition of Madhes-centric parties, has been deliberating on extending support to the candidate from the Naya Shakti Party. The by-election holds significant implications for the political landscape in the region, with key players strategizing to secure victory in the upcoming electoral contest.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: July 1, 2025 3:00 am
