Full Briefing
Legal framework vs party practice
Nepal’s constitution and election laws require parties to ensure representation of women and historically marginalised groups through proportional lists. However, debates continue over whether influential positions and winnable rankings are allotted fairly.
Pressure from within parties
Women and minority leaders inside major parties are publicly asking for more transparent criteria for PR nominations. They argue that tokenistic inclusion on lower ranks or in limited numbers undermines the spirit of the law.
Voter expectations
For many voters, especially from marginalised communities, the composition of PR lists is a key signal of whether parties are serious about inclusion or merely complying formally with legal thresholds.