The absence of three National Assembly members will not hamper the presidential elections scheduled for March 13, the Election Commission has said.

After the Supreme Court on Sunday halted oath of three members appointed by President Bidya Devi Bhandari, they may not be able to vote for the presidential election.

President Bhandari has appointed Yubaraj Khatiwada, Ram Narayan Bidari and Bimala Poudel as Upper House members on the re-commendation of the KP Sharma Oli government.

The oath ceremony of NA members is scheduled for March 4.

 Clause 3 of the Act on Elections to President and Vice President states that any vacant seat in the Federal Parliament or Provincial Assemblies would not prevent the electoral college from being formed.

An electoral college of lawmakers representing Federal Parliament and Provincial Assemblies votes to elect the president and the vice-president.

“As the law has opened the door for holding presidential elections even when there are some vacancies, the presidential elections will take place on schedule,” said Navaraj Dhakal, the EC spokesperson.

According to the election schedule, the EC will publish voters’ list on March 5 while candidate nomination will take place on March 7.

After publishing the final list of candidates on March 8, elections will take place on March 13.