Acting on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, President Ram Chandra Paudel issued an ordinance on September 24 under Article 114 of the Constitution to amend the Voter List Act, 2016. Following the issuance of the ordinance, the Election Commission initiated preparations for the upcoming election.
After the Gen Z protest, the interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, formed on September 12, 2025, dissolved the House of Representatives and announced March 6, 2026, as the election date. The Election Commission, in a notice issued on September 25, announced that voter list collection would continue until the same date. With the election date confirmed, INSEC representative Binod Subedi interviewed Tirtharaj Adhikari, Information Officer at the Koshi Provincial Election Office in Biratnagar, to discuss the commission’s ongoing preparations and activities at the provincial level. Below is the edited excerpt from that conversation:
How is the Koshi Provincial Election Office preparing for the election?
The Provincial Election Office is preparing to send details of available ballot boxes, voter list kits, and other election materials to the center. We are currently collecting and verifying this information. Since some of the voter list kits are old, we are also checking their usability to determine whether they can be used for the upcoming election.
The government issued an ordinance on September 24 to amend the Voter List Act, 2016. How will the process proceed?
Following the Election Commission’s September 25 decision to conduct elections on the government’s scheduled date, officials will resume collecting voter lists, which had been temporarily halted. The Election Commission will issue instructions and circulars, and the offices will act on them to advance the voter list compilation. Officials will also ensure that all individuals turning 18 by March 4 can register and vote, following the directives and orders from the Election Commission.
What works are being done to collect the voter list?
We have not yet begun actively collecting the voter list. In the past, collection stopped whenever elections were announced. However, since many voters could be left out if collection remains suspended, we have learned that the legal amendment process is now underway. Once the law is amended and the central office issues instructions, we will immediately begin collecting the voter list. Meanwhile, we have kept all necessary materials, including kits, ready for use.
Where will the voter list be collected from?
It has not yet been finalized. However, it is likely that the collection will take place from each local government office and the Election Commission office. A formal notice will be issued before the voter list collection begins. Additionally, the commission plans to carry out the process in a way that is as convenient and accessible as possible for new voters.
Will the damage to physical structures during the protest affect the election?
According to the information received so far, the polling stations have not sustained any damage during the protest. Although some minor damage occurred at the election office, it is expected that these can be restored to their original condition before the election. However, significant problems may arise because many government and police vehicles were damaged or destroyed by fire during the protest.
Have any additional preparations been made for the election?
Yes, preparations for warehouse management have been initiated. The office warehouse was filled with documents from the previous 2023 election, so efforts are underway to clear it. The documents from the previous election are being processed for auction. The Election Commission is ensuring that voters can cast their invaluable votes in a clean and safe environment.