CPN-UML, which emerged as the largest party in the proportional representation (PR) electoral system during the 2022 House of Representatives (HoR) elections, has shrunk to third place this time.
Having secured 2,845,641 votes the last time, it has lost nearly half of its share receiving just 1,455,885 votes this time. It shrank even further in the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system. It had won 44 FPTP seats in the previous election, but just nine seats this time. Beyond Taplejung, Ilam-2, Sankhuwasabha, Dhankuta, Banke-2, Dailekh-2, Achham-2, Bajhang, and Darchula, UML was unable to secure victories elsewhere.
According to details published by the Election Commission, UML was the closest competitor, or runner-up, in 41 constituencies. It finished second in Jhapa-2, 4, 5, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Morang-2, Khotang, and Udayapur-2. Similarly, it stood second in Siraha-3, Rautahat-1, Bara-4, Parsa-1, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Sindhuli-1, Dhading-1, Bhaktapur-2, Makwanpur-2, Lamjung, Kaski-2, Nawalpur-2, Mustang, and Myagdi. UML also came second in Gulmi-1 and 2, Palpa-1, Arghakhanchi, Rupandehi-2, 4, 5, Rukum East, and Dang-2. Furthermore, it stood second in Banke-3, Bardiya-1, Dolpa, Mugu, Kalikot, Dailekh-1, Surkhet-1, Bajura, and Doti.
According to the election results, UML came third in 61 places and fourth in 42. UML was seventh in Saptari-2, Mahottari-3, and Sarlahi-2 in the Madhesh Province.
In this election, UML lost a large voter base in the Tarai-Madhesh region, including Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari. It also bled votes in urban areas including the Kathmandu Valley. In those constituencies, UML candidates even struggled to protect their election deposits.
UML forfeited deposits in 49 constituencies including Jhapa-1, Jhapa-3, Morang-3, 4, 5, 6, Sunsari-1, 2, 4, Saptari-2, 3, 4, Siraha-2, 4, Mahottari-1, 2, 3, Sarlahi-1, 2, 3, Rautahat-2, 3, 4, Bara-3, Kathmandu-1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, Bhaktapur-1, Lalitpur-2, 3, Chitwan-2, 3, Gorkha-1, 2, Tanahun-1, Rupandehi-1, 3, Kapilvastu-2, Dang-1, Nawalparasi-1, 2, Kailali-1, 3, and Dadeldhura.
The Election Commission charges a fee of Rs 10,000 to register a candidacy. Candidates who secure more than 10 percent of the total valid votes receive a refund of that deposit amount. Those who fail to cross that vote threshold forfeit that amount.
In the 2022 elections, UML had 78 HoR members including from FPTP and PR systems. According to the updated details from the Election Commission, UML is set to have a representation of 25 parliamentarians in the new parliament. Nine UML candidates won through the FPTP system, and it appears there will be a representation of 16 members from the PR system.
