KATHMANDU, Dec 22: The government is in the process of amending four existing election-related laws to allow Nepali citizens living abroad to vote and to facilitate inter-district voting.
During an all-party discussion on the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Joint Secretary Anand Kafle said the amendments are being made in response to Supreme Court rulings and demands from various stakeholders.
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The proposed changes include modifications to the Election Act and the Voters’ List Act to enable overseas voting. The amendment will also allow a ‘no vote’ option on ballots. Voters will be able to cast their votes for both direct and proportional representation, either from another district or while overseas.
Kafle also confirmed that security plans for the upcoming elections are in place and being implemented. The amendments further address logistical requirements for overseas polling, such as establishing polling centres at Nepali missions and verifying voter identity, ensuring that Nepali citizens living abroad can exercise their franchise effectively.
“These amendments aim to respond to Supreme Court decisions and public demands, allowing citizens to vote proportionally or directly from other districts, and to include the option to vote for no candidate,” Kafle explained. “A draft of the amended laws has been prepared, and we are coordinating with the Election Commission (EC) to implement these changes.”
