Crowded FPTP fields
The completion of nominations for the first-past-the-post (FPTP) tier confirms 3,484 candidates vying for 165 constituencies.
This means that, on average, more than 21 candidates are competing in each FPTP constituency, though the exact number varies widely between urban and rural seats.
Party diversity and independents
A total of 68 registered political parties will contest the election, alongside a notable number of independent candidates.
Larger forces such as Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party and Rastriya Prajatantra Party remain dominant, but newer and regional parties continue to seek space, particularly in Madhes, Tharu-majority areas and urban centres.
The proportional representation (PR) lists, which determine 110 out of 275 seats, are required to meet inclusion quotas for women, Dalits, Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims, Janajatis, Khas Arya and other marginalised groups, and will be scrutinised closely by activists and the media.