Election Commission Urges Government to Ensure Legal Changes and Resources for Upcoming Polls

The Election Commission has formally requested the government to make necessary legal amendments and ensure resources to successfully hold the House of Representatives election on March 5 (Falgun 21) as scheduled.

According to the Commission, there are 18.16 million eligible voters, including those turning 18 by Kartik 16. During a discussion with Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari and other officials highlighted the need to amend the Voter List Act, 2073.

Since voter registration was halted on Ashar 16, the Commission stressed that the law must be amended to reopen registration after the election date was announced. The government and the Commission also discussed bringing the amendment through an ordinance.

Home Minister Aryal suggested that Nepali citizens living abroad should also be included in voting, in line with a Supreme Court order. The Commission said it will consult legal experts and prepare recommendations.

Following the Gen-Z movement and the dissolution of the House, an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been formed, which set the election date.

Bhandari said preparations have already begun under the interim government’s mandate, but called for strong security arrangements, manpower, budget, inter-ministry coordination, active participation of political parties, and proper implementation of the election code of conduct to ensure a fair and peaceful election.