Kathmandu, Jan. 22 -- 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...