Kathmandu –
After the interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, recommended the date for the House of Representatives election, President Ramchandra Paudel announced it on 21st Falgun. The Election Commission has intensified preparations following the declaration.
Despite the announcement of the election date shortly after the formation of the government, the decision was made without consulting the Commission. According to the Acting Chief Commissioner of the Election Commission, Ram Prasad Bhandari, the government has decided to announce the election date under challenging circumstances. The Commission has accepted the decision and is now focused on preparations. He stated, “We will hold the election on the date set by the government, ensuring a free, fair, and fear-free environment.”
The Commission has already started evaluating existing materials, identifying legal barriers and potential amendments, and studying necessary revisions through expert teams.
The Voter List Compilation Act prohibits the updating of voter lists after the election is announced, so the government is preparing an ordinance to amend this provision.
However, ensuring security remains a significant challenge. In recent protests, several government offices, district administration offices, election offices, and security personnel structures were damaged, creating a need for special preparation to hold the election in a peaceful manner.
Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai mentioned that election offices in Chitwan and Saptari were completely burned down, while those in Doti, Kaski, Dang, Morang, and Ilam suffered partial damage. However, with six months still remaining before the election, there is enough time to prepare, according to Bhattarai.
Currently, the Commission has identified around 18.1 million voters, 10,892 polling stations, and 22,227 polling centers across the country. The Commission has already begun assessing the necessary manpower, resources, and logistics required to conduct the election. Despite the challenging circumstances, the Election Commission is determined to hold the election on the scheduled date.