Women’s rights activists and civil society organisations staged a protest in Kathmandu on Friday, accusing political parties of undermining the constitutional principles of inclusive democracy while selecting candidates under the proportional representation (PR) category for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.

The demonstration under the banner ‘‘Pressure campaign for women’s rights’’ began at Maitighar Mandala and concluded at Hotel Everest, New Baneshwar. Over 200 people participated.

The campaign was coordinated by the Women’s Rehabilitation Centre (WOREC) Nepal, an organisation working on women’s rights and gender equality, and the Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations Nepal, which supports and coordinates civil society initiatives across the country.

One of the participants, Til Kumari Budamagar, from Karnali said that, ‘‘Despite constitutional guarantees of proportional and inclusive participation, women continue to face systemic exclusion from political representation and decision-making spaces.’’ Participants argued that the proportional candidate lists recently published by political parties contradict the intent of the constitution and weaken the foundations of inclusive democracy.

During the march, activists raised slogans like ‘‘Parties beware’’ and ‘‘We want justice’’ in support of women’s political rights, inclusive representation and democratic governance. Women activists, youth and representatives from various organisations joined the demonstration.

Another demonstrator Monika Niraula said, ‘‘Proportional representation was not granted as a favour but achieved through long and continuous struggle. Any attempt to undermine the system is unacceptable.’’

She criticised political parties for misusing the proportional representation system.“The old parties have turned proportional representation into a shortcut to send those with money and influence to parliament, some of whom have already served multiple terms. We’re seeing the same thing again. We must stop this practice,’’ Niraula said.

Shyam Kumari Shah, chairperson of the National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD), said such practices are a serious threat to democratic governance. ‘‘Political parties have been buying and selling proportional representation seats, which is why we are on the street today.’’

She added, ‘‘We want political parties to know that citizens are aware and alert. Whatever decisions are made, we will speak out for what is right.’’

Similarly, Nani Maya Thapa, senior vice-chair of the Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations Nepal, said political parties are undermining women’s diversity, experience, political competence, and leadership roles. She also questioned, ‘‘Why is the government only focused on elections while ignoring rising violence against women and children? Who will speak for them if all attention is on the polls? That is also why meaningful representation is urgent.’’

Organisers demanded that political parties immediately revise their proportional representation lists in line with constitutional principles, ensure inclusive and just political representation, and guarantee at least 50 percent women’s candidacy, including in direct elections, based on proportional inclusion.

‘‘If political parties continue to undermine constitutional rights, we will not remain silent”, said Sunita Mainali, the executive director of WOREC Nepal.“We will take to the streets and our voices will ensure that women and marginalised communities cannot be sidelined any longer.’’