KATHMANDU — The Election Commission has decided not to extend the deadline for voter registration. Senior officials from the Commission briefed Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Wednesday, saying that extending the deadline until Kartik 30 would disrupt the election timetable.
Since the deadline cannot be extended, voter names will now be incorporated using the biometric data collected for the National Identity Card, the Prime Minister’s Office said. During the meeting, Namraj Ghimire, Director General of the National Registration Department, informed the Prime Minister that the biometric details gathered for National ID distribution were ready to be provided to the Election Commission.
Prime Minister Karki’s Press Coordinator, Ram Rawal, said arrangements had already been made to include in the voter list those individuals who have a National Identity Card but have not registered their names. “This will make the process easier for voters who have a National ID number but are unable to visit the election office in person,” he said.
The Commission also reported that more than 60 percent of election preparations had been completed. Based on current progress, the Commission said the election scheduled for Fagun 21 can be conducted on time.
Political Parties Prepared as Observers Register and Code of Conduct Moves Forward
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari said that consultations with political parties registered with the Commission showed that none of them had expressed an inability to participate in the election, indicating an improving environment.
He added that even groups and parties that previously boycotted elections and engaged in protests are now registered and eager to participate, creating a more favorable atmosphere than in the past.
The Commission said that the pace of new party registrations and voter list updates has been encouraging. So far, 22 national and 2 international observer organizations have registered to monitor the election.
The Commission also informed that the draft election code of conduct had already been sent to all political parties for feedback. The election program is set to be announced soon, with further consultations scheduled before publication.
Prime Minister Karki asked about possible measures to reduce campaign expenditures for candidates and the feasibility of inter-district voting arrangements to support voter convenience.
