Election Commission Estimates Rs 7.5 Billion Budget for March 5 Polls

KATHMANDU, October 26 — The Election Commission (EC) has projected that the upcoming House of Representatives election, set for March 5 (Falgun 21), will cost approximately Rs 7.5 billion.

According to the EC, a preliminary budget estimate has been prepared as part of election preparations, though the final figure is yet to be confirmed. Once approved, the Commission will forward the proposed budget to the Ministry of Finance for final endorsement.

“The estimated cost currently stands at around Rs 7.5 billion, but the final decision is still pending,” said Suman Ghimire, spokesperson for the Commission.

Procurement of Election Materials

While working on the budget, the EC is also compiling a comprehensive list of election materials required for the polls. It has urged authorities to begin procurement immediately after the Chhath festival to ensure timely readiness.

Discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Finance to manage both new purchases and the reuse of existing materials.

Helicopter Support for Remote Areas

The Commission plans to set aside funds for emergency management, including the use of helicopters to transport staff and materials to remote Himalayan regions where difficult terrain and unpredictable weather could hinder access. The EC aims to mobilize resources and personnel during clear weather windows to ensure smooth operations.

Polling Centers and Staffing

Following previous practices, the EC intends to set up one polling center for every 1,000 voters. A significant portion of the budget will be allocated to staff management and logistics.

Each polling center will have at least 14 staff members, with additional personnel deployed for vote counting and security management.

The EC has emphasized that early logistical preparations are crucial to ensure free, fair, and efficient elections across the country.