Election Commission Submits Legal Recommendations to Enable Overseas Voting

KATHMANDU, Nov 6 

The Election Commission (EC) has sent its legal recommendations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, paving the way for the government to introduce an ordinance granting voting rights to Nepalis living abroad.

According to EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the recommendations outline the necessary legal amendments to existing laws, including the Voters’ Roll Act, Election Offenses and Punishment Act, Election Commission Act, and House of Representatives Election Act.

“The Home Ministry sought our opinion on the legal provisions, and we’ve provided recommendations specifying the required terms and clauses,” said Bhattarai. He added that while the legal groundwork has been completed, the practical and financial aspects of implementing overseas voting still need to be addressed.

With the Commission’s opinion submitted, the government can now move forward with an ordinance to amend relevant laws.

Currently, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Election Commission, and the Policy Research Institute are collaborating on drafting the required amendments and policy directives.

The Home Ministry confirmed it is reviewing the technical draft prepared by the Election Commission, which proposes that Nepalis abroad vote under the proportional representation system.

Officials also said the government is considering piloting overseas voting in a few selected countries during the upcoming House of Representatives elections on March 5 (Falgun 21). However, details regarding the countries and voting modalities are yet to be finalized.

Since the House of Representatives is currently dissolved, any amendments must be introduced through an ordinance, marking this as the next step toward enabling voting rights for Nepalis living overseas.