Nepal Prepares for a Historic General Election on March 5

KalimNews, Kathmandu, March 4, 2026 :  More than 18 million Nepalese citizens will cast their votes on March 5 to elect their new national leadership in what is set to be a landmark democratic exercise. With just 48 hours remaining before polling day, the country has entered the mandatory Silence Period, during which all political campaigning has come to a complete halt. The Election Commission of Nepal has strictly enforced the election code of conduct to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.

This year’s General Election is historic for another reason: nearly 8 million Gen Z youth will be voting for the first time, marking a powerful new chapter in Nepal’s democratic journey.

As outlined in the Constitution of Nepal, voters will receive two signed ballot papers. One ballot will allow them to elect 165 members of the House of Representatives through the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system in single-member constituencies. The second ballot will enable them to vote under the proportional representation (PR) system, through which 110 additional members will be elected from a single nationwide constituency.

In total, 275 members will form the lower House of Representatives.

There are 165 electoral constituencies determined on the basis of geography and population. For the proportional representation category, 63 political parties have submitted closed lists of candidates.

Nearly 18.9 million voters are registered for this election. A total of 3,406 candidates from 65 political parties, including independent contenders, are competing. In another count, more than 3,400 candidates from 68 parties are reported to be in the race. The election was announced on 12 September 2025 by the President of Nepal upon the recommendation of the Government of Nepal and will be held on March 5, 2026.

Polling stations have been set up in schools, hospitals, and government buildings across the country. Voting will take place from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Citizens can exercise their right to vote by presenting approved identity cards.

The General Election Observation Committee (GEOC) has made public a report stating that voters are enthusiastic about participating in the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21. Based on field observations and information received through its call center, the committee concluded that the overall pre-election environment remains peaceful and administratively well managed.

The study examined voting preparations, political party participation, coordination, election challenges, the preparedness of the Election Commission, and security arrangements.

Krishnaman Pradhan, General Secretary of GEOC, informed that the report was prepared after consultations and discussions with political parties, voters, candidates, civil society members, the press, Chief District Officers, and District Election Officers.

The report states, “The on-site observation reports of national observers indicate that the foundation has been prepared for the election to be conducted in a peaceful, clean, free, and fear-free environment.”

Professor Chiranjivi Khanal, deployed as a national observer, shared that election preparations are progressing rapidly. Staff members have already reached polling stations, voting centers are being constructed, and security agencies are responsibly stationed at sensitive locations.

He noted, “In the past, political parties and candidates used to influence voters through large public gatherings and rallies. This time, however, they have reached out directly to communities at the grassroots level. Political parties appear committed to the election, and voters are enthusiastic.”

National observer and press freedom advocate Haribinod Adhikari stated that a peaceful environment prevails for the election and that all necessary materials, along with staff teams, are reaching polling centers.

He said, “Voters, candidates, representatives of political parties, and even Chief District Officers are confident that the election will be peaceful. Our study and analysis so far show that an environment for a clean, free, and fear-free election has been created.”

In certain locations, 10-foot-high wire mesh fencing has been installed around vote-counting centers to ensure security and protect ballot papers. The fencing has been arranged to systematically manage the counting process. Charging-enabled lighting systems have been installed in front of the mesh to maintain smooth electricity supply, and CCTV cameras have been set up in the counting premises.

During vote counting, no one except authorized counting staff and security personnel will be allowed inside the fenced area.

National observers Ganeshman Pradhan and Dr. Minen Shrestha reported that most polling centers are located in school and ward office buildings, making them voter-friendly overall. GEOC has deployed national observers across all seven provinces to monitor the pre-election situation.

The report highlights that integrated security plans have been implemented at the district level and that administrative and security preparations are satisfactory. Although political competition is intense, the overall atmosphere remains peaceful.

In one of the district Chitwan, Chief Election Officer Bhimsen Karki confirmed that all necessary election materials and personnel have reached every area. Fifty-one types of materials required for voting have been delivered along with the concerned officials.

There are 494 polling centers and 162 polling stations in the district. Construction of polling sites has begun at all centers. A total of 2,964 staff members have been deployed to conduct the election.

CCTV installation and wire mesh arrangements at counting centers have been completed. In the district’s three constituencies, 442,082 voters are eligible to cast their ballots.

Observers from Nepal Law Society and GEOC believe this election will be more peaceful, dignified, and fear-free than previous ones. They have reported no major clashes or serious violations of the election code of conduct during campaigning. Candidates have demonstrated discipline, prioritized a “paperless” campaign approach, and corrected minor technical issues promptly through digital platforms such as WhatsApp.

Senior Advocate and national observer Parashuram Koirala stated that the election process has been voter-friendly and fear-free. He emphasized that candidates maintained discipline throughout the campaign period, and no major written complaints of code violations have been recorded. Minor concerns communicated via WhatsApp were reportedly addressed immediately by candidates themselves.

The Election Commission has reminded all election staff to comply not only with service-related laws but also with the Election Code of Conduct, 2082. The code prohibits employees from campaigning for or against any candidate or political party. It requires election personnel and security forces to perform their duties impartially and factually.

Furthermore, government employees and public office holders are not permitted to travel abroad without prior approval from the Election Commission during the election period, except when representing the country. Government buildings, guest houses, vehicles, or other public resources may not be used by candidates or political parties.

Targeting the March 5 House of Representatives election, the National Human Rights Commission has deployed monitoring teams across the country. The Commission has urged all voters to participate enthusiastically in the election and called for a clean, impartial, and fear-free environment.

According to a press release issued by Commission spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, high-level teams comprising the Chairperson, members, and former officials have been mobilized to monitor elections in Kathmandu Valley and other districts.

The Commission has reminded stakeholders that elections are not only an essential component of democracy but also a fundamental human rights issue. It has urged political parties to fully comply with the code of conduct during the Silence Period and requested the government to maintain necessary security vigilance.

The Commission emphasized that maintaining law and order is the government’s responsibility and called on all stakeholders—including political parties, candidates, civil society, and media—to play constructive roles.

It has further urged that essential services such as health care, ambulances, funeral vehicles, communication, water, milk, and fuel supplies remain uninterrupted on voting day. Special arrangements have also been called for to ensure transportation and air services operate smoothly for persons with disabilities.

Expressing confidence, the Commission stated that the upcoming Falgun 21 election will be fraud-free, credible, and human rights–friendly.

As Nepal stands on the threshold of this significant democratic event, the calm Silence Period and comprehensive preparations provide a strong foundation for what observers believe could be the cleanest and most exemplary election in the nation’s history.

If the current peaceful atmosphere continues through voting day, March 5, 2026 may well be remembered as a milestone in the maturing journey of Nepali democracy.