Nepal Loktantrik Forum (NLF) Co-Chairman Shiva Lal Thapa-led faction has decided to contest the upcoming parliamentary and provincial elections under the electoral symbol of Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum (SSF), Masal (Torch).

Upendra Yadav-led SSF and Thapa-led NLF on Wednesday have agreed to form electoral symbol for the upcoming polls and decided to contest the elections under the former’s electoral symbol (Masal).

Though NLF Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachhadhar along with some leaders joined the Nepali Congress, Thapa did not merge with the ruling party.

Leaders of the then Rastriya Janamukti Party (Loktantrik), Dalit Janajati Party and Nepal Nagark Party are in the Thapa’s faction. They joined the NLF in March.

The parliamentary and provincial elections are slated for November 26 and December 7.

The nominations of first phase of elections were held on Sunday. The nominations for the second phase of elections will be held on November 2.