Kathmandu: Ram Prasad Bhandari, Acting Chief Election Commissioner of the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN), announced that 70 per cent of the work related to the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election has been completed. The interim government led by Sushila Karki is tasked with holding the HoR election on March 5, 2026.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari shared these updates during a discussion organized by the Commission with ministers. He emphasized the Commission’s determination since the election date was announced, stating that the environment for the election is being created across the country. Bhandari stressed there is no alternative to conducting the election by fulfilling the necessary procedures and asserted the Commission’s commitment to holding it.
The Commission, being a constitutional body responsible for conducting and monitoring elections, has been receiving two to four memorandums daily, demanding revisions to the electoral laws and processes. Bhandari highlighted the need to amend the laws and regulations related to the Commission to make them timely.
When Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel raised concerns about controlling election-related expenses, Bhandari assured that the Commission is aware of the need for efficient spending during the election. He articulated the Commission’s readiness to address these concerns, noting that funds would be managed from the State coffers in a cost-effective manner. He recalled the frugal approach demonstrated in the last two parliamentary elections held in 2079 BS and pledged to strictly cap the spending limits for candidates and political parties.
Regarding the provisions for limiting candidates’ expenses, Bhandari explained that expenses would be determined based on the geography of the candidates and the number of voters in their constituencies.