The election officer’s office has cancelled the candidacy of Resham Lal Chaudhary, leader of Nagarik Unmukti Party. He had filed his nomination from Kailali–1.

An objection was lodged against Chaudhary’s candidacy on Wednesday, prompting scrutiny by the election authorities. Chaudhary had been convicted by the Supreme Court in a murder case linked to the Tikapur incident and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Although the Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government recommended a pardon, and President Ramchandra Paudel granted him clemency on May 28, 2023, the Election Officer’s Office said a presidential pardon does not invalidate a court verdict. On that basis, it decided to annul his nomination.

The Supreme Court had, on May 16, 2023, found Chaudhary guilty in the Tikapur killings and handed down a life sentence. He was pardoned less than two weeks later on the occasion of Republic Day.

Election officials said existing laws and past rulings bar individuals convicted of criminal offences from contesting elections or even holding party membership. The Election Commission had earlier ruled that such individuals could not be updated or recognised as party office-bearers, citing provisions of the Political Parties Act and court verdicts.

Based on these legal grounds, the election authority concluded that Chaudhary was ineligible to stand as a candidate, leading to the cancellation of his nomination.