Election Commission: All parties ready for upcoming polls, including those that once boycotted elections

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a meeting with officials of the Election Commission on Wednesday to discuss preparations for the upcoming elections.

A team comprising Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, Commissioners Janaki Tuladhar and Sagun Shamsher Rana, along with other senior officials, met with the Prime Minister at her office.

During the discussion, the commission informed that over 60 percent of election-related preparations have been completed and expressed confidence that the elections scheduled for March 5 can be conducted as planned.

Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari stated that none of the registered political parties, including those that have previously won only ward-level positions, have said they will not participate in the elections.

He further noted that even groups and parties that had boycotted or protested previous elections are now registered with the commission and are eager to participate, indicating a positive and conducive environment for the polls.

According to Bhandari, the registration of new parties and inclusion of voters in the electoral roll have been encouraging. “Based on our assessment, it is possible to hold the elections on the scheduled date. The commission is fully capable, and there is no need for doubt,” he said.

The commission also briefed the Prime Minister’s Office on the progress made in response to a three-point directive issued under her instructions.

To manage the increasing pressure of voter registration, the commission has extended service hours, operating in two shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and increased staff capacity. Technical issues are being promptly resolved, Bhandari added.

Meanwhile, Director General of the National Registration Department, Namaraj Ghimire, said the department is ready to provide biometric data collected for national ID cards to the Election Commission. This will facilitate voter registration for those who already possess national ID numbers but are unable to visit election offices in person.

The Election Commission plans to begin including voters based on national ID information starting Thursday, with all technical preparations and testing set to be completed by tonight.