Nepal’s recent House of Representatives election has left thousands of candidates without their election deposits after failing to secure enough votes in the first-past-the-post contest.
According to the Election Commission, 2,890 candidates who contested the direct elections lost their deposits after receiving less than 10 per cent of the valid votes in their respective constituencies. Under Nepal’s election laws, candidates must deposit a fixed amount when filing their candidacy. The deposit is returned only if the candidate receives at least 10 per cent of the total valid votes cast in that constituency. Those who fail to reach that threshold forfeit the deposit to the state.
Among the candidates who lost their deposits, 350 failed to receive a single vote. Their official results show zero votes, suggesting that some candidates were unable to secure even their own vote or support from close family members.
The figures also show how difficult it is for many candidates to remain competitive in Nepal’s direct electoral system. Out of the thousands who contested the election, only 516 candidates managed to secure more than 10 per cent of the valid votes and successfully retain their deposits.
Election officials say candidates who met the vote threshold must apply to the Election Commission within 90 days of the final election results being announced if they want their deposit returned. After submitting a formal request, the deposit will be refunded according to legal procedures.
The numbers highlight the crowded nature of Nepal’s electoral contests, where hundreds of candidates often compete in a single national election, but only a small share manage to secure meaningful voter support.