Kathmandu, February 1

Former office bearers of the Election Commission today suggested to the commission to make it mandatory for parties to secure at least 1.5 per cent of the total votes for Parliament seats under proportional representation electoral system.

During a consultative meeting held by Election Commission with former chief commissioners, commissioners and secretaries over a draft bill on integrating the law related to the elections, Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhi Prasad Yadav urged the participants offer their suggestions based on their experiences.

Former commissioners and secretaries said the bill must explicitly address the subject of federalism. They also suggested that the EC not make it mandatory for parties not contesting the election to register themselves with the commission.

They further stressed on formulation of laws to draw a line between parties contesting in the elections and those restricting themselves to party organisation.

On the occasion, Commissioner Ila Sharma underscored the significance of the draft bill for upholding democracy as it would regularise elections and ensure proportional inclusion in parties.