KATHMANDU: The Election Commission of Nepal on Sunday decided that neither of the two factions of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) would be accorded a legitimate status.

The polling authority late on Sunday stated that since both the groups - led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal – Madhav Nepal and KP Sharma Oli - failed to follow due procedures, they would not gain recognition.

With this decision, the commission has maintained that Oli and Dahal remain the chairs of the party as the NCP, despite a split among warring factions, continues to remain the same legally and will notify both the groups accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Dahal-Nepal faction had removed Oli from party's general membership on Sunday itself. The group accused Oli of not providing explanation for his recent moves as sought by the leadership.