Sachin Dhakal withdraws name from PR list

KATHMANDU: Sachin Dhakal, chairperson of FC Chitwan and son of FNCCI Chairperson Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has withdrawn his name from the closed list of proportional representation (PR) candidates submitted by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to the Election Commission.

Dhakal announced his decision through a social media post on Saturday following widespread criticism over his inclusion in the PR list, with critics arguing that influential and well-connected individuals were exploiting a system intended to ensure the political inclusion of marginalized and backward communities.

In a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday morning, Dhakal said he had decided to withdraw his candidacy “respecting the spirit and principles of the proportional representation electoral system as envisioned by Nepal’s Constitution.” He added that the decision was taken for personal reasons.

Certain names included in the closed list of PR candidates submitted to the Election Commission by different political parties have drawn objections, with people arguing that the PR system should prioritize representation of disadvantaged groups rather than individuals from politically and economically powerful backgrounds.

Dhakal’s decision to withdraw his candidacy comes amid a broader public debate on the misuse of the proportional representation system and renewed calls for political parties to adhere strictly to its core intent of social inclusion.