Kathmandu: Nepal is holding elections for members of the House of Representatives today under special circumstances following the Gen Z movement. Voting will take place in a single phase across all 77 districts of the country from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The election is being conducted under the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system for 165 constituencies and under the Proportional Representation (PR) system for 110 seats. In the direct (FPTP) category, 65 political parties are competing under 61 election symbols. A total of 3,406 candidates (3,017 men, 388 women, and 1 other) are contesting under the direct system, while 3,135 candidates (1,363 men and 1,772 women) are contesting under the proportional system.

Voter Numbers and Arrangements

• Total voters: 18,903,689
  • 9,663,358 men
  • 9,240,131 women
  • 200 others
• Temporary voters: 186,142
• Polling stations: 10,967
• Polling centers: 23,112
• Temporary polling stations: 143

Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and physically weak individuals will be given priority during voting.

Security Arrangements: Nearly 300,000 Personnel Mobilized

• Nepali Army: 79,727
• Nepal Police: 75,797
• Armed Police Force: 34,567
• National Investigation Department: 1,921
• Election Police: 149,090

In total, nearly 300,000 security personnel have been deployed. Additionally, 215,000 staff members have been assigned to conduct the voting process. A total of 42,251,200 ballot papers have been printed and distributed.

International and National Observation

Four international and 39 national organizations have been deployed to observe the election process.

Call to Vote from Top Officials

President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal have urged all voters to cast their ballots fearlessly.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari stated:

“Elections are the greatest ritual of democracy. Every vote determines the political system, governance, government, policies, and leadership. By participating in this important process, protect your rights. Taking part in elections is also the duty of every voter.”

Today’s voting is set to determine Nepal’s political direction for the next five years. The Election Commission has called on all voters to participate in a free, fair, and enthusiastic manner.