KATHMANDU: The General Election Observation Committee (GEOC) has stated that the overall environment ahead of the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5 is peaceful, with voters showing strong enthusiasm to cast their ballots.
Making public its pre-election observation report, GEOC concluded that preparations have been well managed and the atmosphere remains calm and organized. The assessment is based on on-site monitoring of election preparations and information collected through its call center.
The committee reviewed voting arrangements, participation and coordination among political parties, election security, administrative readiness and potential challenges.
GEOC General Secretary Krishnaman Pradhan said the report was prepared following meetings and discussions with political parties, candidates, voters, civil society representatives, journalists, Chief District Officers and District Election Officers. According to the report, the groundwork has been laid for a peaceful, clean, free and fear-free election.
National observer Prof. Chiranjivi Khanal said election preparations are progressing rapidly, with polling staff and materials reaching designated stations and security agencies deployed responsibly. He noted a shift in campaign style this time, with political parties focusing more on door-to-door outreach rather than large rallies, reflecting their commitment to the electoral process and voters’ growing engagement.
Similarly, press freedom activist and national observer Haribinod Adhikari said polling stations are being supplied with necessary materials and staff, and stakeholders, including voters, candidates, local administration and security agencies, are confident that the election will be conducted peacefully.
Other national observers, including Ganeshman Pradhan and Dr. Minen Shrestha, reported that most polling centers are located in schools and ward offices, making them generally voter-friendly. GEOC has deployed national observers in all seven provinces to monitor the pre-election situation.
The report states that the integrated security plan has been effectively implemented across districts, and despite intense political competition, the overall atmosphere remains peaceful. The distribution of voting materials and deployment of personnel have been completed as scheduled, while election campaigning, including door-to-door outreach, has been carried out peacefully.
GEOC has deployed 400 observers in 250 local levels across 36 districts to monitor the election process.
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