KATHMANDU:- Officials from the Election Commission (EC) called on Prime Minister Sushila Karki today to discuss preparations for the upcoming election.
The meeting took place at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. Discussions focused on the election of the House of Representatives, scheduled for March 5, 2026, following the dissolution of the House of Representatives effective from midnight on September 12.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on necessary legal amendments, election management, resource mobilization, and other related issues. The EC delegation was led by Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari.
Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Anil Kumar Sinha, who also attended the meeting, said discussions centered on identifying and addressing any issues that could hamper election preparations.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, EC Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai described it as a preliminary dialogue with the government. He said more discussions would be held. Both the government and the EC agreed that the fresh election must be conducted as mandated. He added that the EC is committed to holding a free and impartial election while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
The EC has requested the government to amend the Voter Registration Act, 2073 BS, and ensure resources necessary to conduct the election on the announced date.
As of now, the number of people who complete 18 years by November 1, 2025, stands at 18,168,230.
Earlier, on September 18, the EC held discussions with Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal regarding the upcoming election. Voter registration had been suspended since June 30, 2025, due to the previously announced by-election.
However, with the announcement of the midterm election for March 5, 2026, legal provisions must be made to reopen voter registration. Discussions are underway to amend Subsection 2 of Section 4 of the relevant Act through an ordinance.
During the September 18 discussion, Home Minister Aryal also raised the issue of ensuring voting rights for Nepalis living abroad in the pretext of the Supreme Court’s verdict towards that end. In response, the EC has consulted legal experts.
The interim government, led by former Chief Justice Karki, was formed following recent Gen-Z protests, with the mandate to hold fresh elections in March.