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, focusing on the election of the House of Representatives, scheduled for March 5, 2026, following the dissolution of the House effective from midnight on September 12.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the discussions centered on necessary legal amendments, election management, resource mobilization, and 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, mentioned that discussions aimed to identify and address any issues that could hinder election preparations.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, EC Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai described it as a preliminary dialogue with the government, indicating that more discussions would follow. Both the government and the EC agreed on the necessity of conducting the election as scheduled. He added that the EC is committed to organizing 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 the provision of resources necessary to conduct the election on the announced date. As of now, the number of people who will turn 18 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 a 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 line with the Supreme Court’s verdict. 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.