UML accelerates candidate selection for March 5 polls

KATHMANDU: The CPN (UML) has fast-tracked its candidate endorsement process for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled on March 5.

Following central party directives, district and constituency committees are submitting recommended candidates.

While some districts have forwarded a single name, others have sent multiple aspirants, and a few have submitted all interested candidates to the central committee.

UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet said that so far, 24 constituencies have finalized a single candidate.

Key leaders with confirmed nominations include:

• KP Sharma Oli – Jhapa–5

• Bishnu Paudel – Rupandehi–2

• Shankar Pokharel – Dang–2

• Lekharaj Bhatta – Kailali–4

• Mahesh Basnet – Bhaktapur–2

Other endorsed leaders include Pradeep Gyawali (Gulmi–1), Ishwar Pokharel (Kathmandu–5), Lilnath Shrestha (Siraha–3), Ajay Gupta (Rautahat–1), Hari Upreti (Sarlahi–3), Tilak Mahat (Nawalpur–2), Milan Gurung (Gorkha–2), Badri Mainali (Nuwakot–1), Surya Dhakal (Banke–1), Dalbahadur Sunar (Banke–3), Bishram Chaudhary (Kapilvastu–1), Suhang Nembang (Ilam–2), and Laxmi Mahato Koiri (Mahottari–1).

Additional candidates include Dhruv Shahi (Surkhet–1), Kaladhar Devkota (Surkhet–2), Gulabjung Shah (Salyan), Maniram Phuyal (Kathmandu–2, proposed), Damodar Bhandari (Baitadi), and Ganesh Thagunna (Darchula).

Basnet noted that several constituencies have reached consensus on single candidates, while the selection process continues in other areas.

The final list will be confirmed once all district recommendations reach the central committee.