Rising number of contestants
News reports citing Election Commission officials say that, after a new batch of registrations including major forces like Nepali Congress, the total number of parties cleared to contest the 2026 general election has reached 56. This figure may still change slightly as legal and procedural reviews continue, but it already points to a crowded party field.
Operational implications
More parties mean more symbols on ballot papers, especially in the proportional representation ballot where all qualifying parties appear on a single nationwide list. For the EC, this increases the burden of ballot design, printing, transport and voter education. Each additional party also requires compliance monitoring for finance, campaigning and code of conduct.
Voter experience
For voters, a long list of parties can be both empowering and confusing. While it broadens formal choice, it also raises the risk of vote-splitting among ideologically similar groups and can make it harder for first-time voters to distinguish between newer parties with similar names or symbols. How well voter education materials explain party positions and symbols will be crucial in the remaining weeks.