Seven political parties change names following EC directive

Kathmandu, November 1 — Following the Election Commission's directive, seven political parties have changed their names. This was mentioned in the Commission's 18th annual report submitted to President Ramchandra Paudel on October 8, 2023.

On February 15, 2024, the Commission held a meeting during which it directed 19 political parties to change their names. The Commission concluded that the names of these parties did not align with the spirit and intent of the Constitution of Nepal and the Political Parties Act, necessitating the changes.

According to the Commission, the directive was issued under Section 57 of the Political Parties Act, 2017, for parties registered under this act. The report notes that seven political parties have changed their names following the Commission's directive.

The parties that changed their names include the Nepal Khambuwan Sajha Party, the Rashtriya Janamukti Party, the Nepal Dalit Party, the Nepal Sukumbasi Party (Loktantrik), the Tamsaling Loktantrik Party, the Nepal Purba Rastra Sebak Loktantrik Party, and the Amul Paribartan Messiah Party Nepal.

After the changes, the new names are as follows: Rashtriya Sajha Party, Nepal Janamukti Party, Nepal Maanabata Party, Nepal Janata Samrakshhan Party, Janapriya Loktantrik Party, Janasewa Loktantrik Party, and Amul Paribartan Republican Party Nepal.

The report states: "Based on the decision of the Election Commission's meeting on February 15, 2024, the Commission directed the 19 political parties to change their names because their current names did not conform to the spirit and intent of the Constitution and the Political Parties Act. Following this, the names have been amended as per the request and accompanying documentation submitted by these political parties’ central committees."

According to the Commission, several parties, including the Muskaan Sena Nepal Party, Chure Bhawar Loktantrik Party, Madhes Tarai Forum, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum Madhesh, Shiva Sena Nepal, Khambuwan Rashtriya Morcha Nepal, Nepal Sanghiya Rashtriya Manch (Tharuhat), Akhanda Sudurpashchim Party Nepal, and several others have not changed their names.

The report also mentions that the registration of a political party named the Deshbhakta Janaganataantrik Morcha has been revoked.

Additionally, the Commission has revised and amended details for 13 parties, including the Rashtriya Swatantra Party, Nepal Sadbhawana Party, Rashtriya Sajha Party, and Nepal Loktantrik Party. The report indicates that a total of 119 political parties are registered with the Commission.