Nepal’s Election on Track: Commission Says it is Ready

SP Upreti

The Election Commission of Nepal is making preparations for the general election of house of the representatives, scheduled for March 5, 2026.

Due to lack of the Election Commission’s head and amid doubts concerning timely election, acting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Ramprasad Bhandari is overseeing all preparatory activities.

Acting CEC mentions that this election is an opportunity to set a new political course in the country to address youths and all the political parties. 

“The Commission is ready. Various stakeholders, including political parties, human rights advocates, lawyers, social leaders, activists, social media activists are urging for the election to be held on time and extending their wishes.”- Acting CEC Bhandari.

On the question that some still doubt the scheduled election, he responded, ‘If election isn’t held on scheduled date, then why should we imagine it?’ Bhandari added that the Commission has begun discussion with stakeholders to conduct it on time.

Spokesperson of the Commission Narayan Prasad Bhattarai says even with lack of Chief due to delayed appointment, no decisions of the commission are pending, that shows positive side to hold the election on time. 

“We are heavily engaged in election preparation activities right after its announcement” EC Spokesperson

The EC Spokesperson also clarifies that citizens who are already registered on voter list are not required to register themselves. However, in case of new and first-time voters, they need to visit the Election Offices in respective districts.

The GenZ led movement of September 8 and 9 in Nepal led to formation a new government under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki and dissolution of House of Representatives.

The government has a mandate of holding Parliamentary general election on March 5 next year. A total of 76 lives were lost during the movement.