KATHMANDU, March 8, 2026: The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) has released an interim report on Nepal’s 2026 House of Representatives elections, describing the voting as largely peaceful and orderly despite the country’s politically transitional and polarized environment following September 2025 upheavals.
ANFREL’s International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) noted that public engagement remained high, reflecting citizens’ continued commitment to democratic processes. However, the mission highlighted persistent structural challenges, including uneven enforcement of the electoral Code of Conduct, gaps in voter education, limited transparency in campaign financing, and barriers to inclusive participation for women, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities.
ANFREL commends Nepal for 'peaceful and orderly' HoR Election
The report praised the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) for managing technical preparations efficiently despite operating with incomplete membership, but it also pointed out uneven access to election information, particularly in remote areas. Security personnel were widely deployed to ensure stability, though observers noted the presence of armed forces inside some polling stations could affect perceptions of a free voting environment.
ANFREL also underscored the active role of youth in the elections, reflecting public demands for political renewal, while noting continued obstacles for young citizens entering formal politics due to party gatekeeping practices. Domestic election observers remained important but faced resource constraints, and some local authorities showed limited awareness of observer roles, affecting observation consistency.
The interim report concluded that post-election actions by political parties—both established and new—will be crucial in strengthening public confidence, with accountability, adherence to democratic norms, and commitment to reform central to Nepal’s democratic consolidation.
