Chitwan-2 By-Election: Can Rabbi Lamichhane Run Again?

KATHMANDU, February 13: The government has decided to hold by-elections in Chitwan-2 on April 23.
A meeting of the Electoral Commission held on Sunday made a decision in this regard.
Rabi Lamichhane, who was previously elected to the Chitwan-2 House of Representatives, lost his position after the Supreme Court declared his citizenship illegal. Shortly after the high court’s decision, Lamichhane regained his citizenship, which now raises questions about his eligibility to run in the upcoming by-election.
Meanwhile, Lamichhane prepares to race from Chitwan-2 again.
According to chief lawyer Sathish Krishna Kharel, Lamichhane can now run in the elections as he has regained his citizenship. “The government has already granted Lamichhane citizenship, so now there is no legal barrier for Lamichhane to be a candidate.”
The Kathmandu District Police Office is currently conducting an investigation into the Lamichhane passport case. According to section 13 of the House of Representatives Elections Act, 2074 (2017), if someone is found guilty of misusing a passport, then they may be found ineligible to stand for election.
According to Article 84(7) of the Constitution of Nepal, in case the seat of any member of the House of Representatives becomes vacant while their term remains for more than six months, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as in the electoral case. system as in which said entry was fulfilled.