Kathmandu, Jan 20: The Election Commission has stated that citizenship certificate is mandatory for the filling of nominations by candidates contesting the March 5 House of Representatives elections.

As per the election calendar set by the commission, nomination of candidates is being held across the country today.

A copy of the citizenship certificate or a copy of the voter ID card is mandatory for registration of candidacy. Similarly, proof that the name is included in the final voter list of any rural municipality or municipality of the country is also required.

If the candidate is holding a position in the Government of Nepal, Provincial Government or local level or is receiving remuneration from an organization that receives grants from the Government, proof of resignation from such position is also required.

The nomination papers submitted needs to be signed by one who has proposed and one who seconded the candidacy, by those whose names are included in the final voter list of the same constituency.

If a party has filed a candidacy, a formal letter of nomination for a candidate for the House of Representatives issued by the party’s central executive committee or a similar committee authorized to issue a formal letter of nomination for the candidate will be required.

Similarly, in the case of parties participating in the election jointly by taking a single election symbol, a formal letter of nomination for the candidate as per the House of Representatives Election Guidelines, 2082 BS, will also be required.

Candidates also need to submit a receipt of a deposit of Rs. 10,000 at the office of the concerned election officer. In the case of women, Dalits, minority communities, or economically disadvantaged candidates, a 50 percent discount on the deposit amount has been provided.

Similarly, the candidate must also provide a sealed property statement stating the details of his movable and immovable properties, accounts in banks and financial institutions, securities, shares, bonds, and loans given to or taken from anyone.