Nepal elections: PM Karki meets EC officials for March 5 polls; free and impartial process

Nepalese Prime Minister Sushila Karki met with officials from the Election Commission on Tuesday to discuss plans for the country’s upcoming general elections.The 73 year old PM assumed office on September 12, ending a period of political uncertainty after the removal of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

Oli’s ouster came after youth-led protests criticised his government over corruption and a social media ban.Acting on Karki’s recommendation, President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives and set March 5, 2026, as the date for fresh elections.During the meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in Singha Durbar, Karki and acting chief election commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari discussed election management, legal amendments, resource planning, and other preparations, officials said.Law minister Anil Kumar Sinha, also present, told reporters the talks focused on identifying and resolving potential obstacles that could delay election preparations.EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai called the meeting a preliminary dialogue with the government regarding preparations for the general elections. He further added that both sides agreed the elections must be held on time and confirmed the commission’s commitment to a free, fair, and cost-effective process.

The Election Commission has asked the government to amend the Voter Registration Act, 2073 BS, and ensure resources are in place for the polls. Currently, about 1,81,68,000 people are eligible to vote, all aged 18 and above. With the fresh election scheduled, legal provisions will be needed to reopen voter registration, an EC official added.