Ministers, EC officials stress inclusive polls

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Dec. 17: The Election Commission and ministers have stressed the need for holding an inclusive, participatory, free, and fear-free election to the House of Representatives on March 5, 2026.

During a discussion held at the office of the Election Commission on Thursday, EC officials and the ministers highlighted the importance of effective voter education, representation of women and persons with disabilities, coordination among stakeholders, and the timely use of established electoral systems ahead of the polls.

Speaking at the programme, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anil Kumar Sinha emphasised that making the upcoming election inclusive and participatory is crucial to strengthening and consolidating democracy. He added that the government is working to create a conducive environment for free, fair, impartial, and fear-free elections through dialogue with political parties and other relevant stakeholders.

Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel said that with the coordination and active participation of the government, the Election Commission, registered political parties, and all concerned stakeholders, voter and political party registration have been completed, creating a conducive environment for holding the elections. 

He urged stakeholders to shift their focus from whether elections would be held to how they could be conducted in a free, fair, fear-free, and cost-effective manner. He also said that his ministry is conducting voter education programmes and taking measures to curb misinformation and misleading content. 

 Minister for Women, Children, and Senior Citizens Shraddha Shrestha said her ministry would continue supporting the Election Commission in 

enhancing the participation of women, children, and persons with disabilities in the electoral process. She also emphasised preventing the use of children in elections and strengthening voter awareness and education campaigns.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said the Commission was working systematically to hold the election on the scheduled date. 

He urged the government to help build a shared understanding among political parties, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders to ensure active participation. 

Highlighting the limited time remaining, he emphasised the need to conduct the election using established methods and technologies. 

Election Commissioner Sagun Shumsher JBR called for the mobilisation of local administration and relevant agencies to enhance inclusive access to the electoral process.

Election Commissioner Dr. Janaki Kumari Tuladhar, senior officials of the Commission, and representatives, including the Secretary of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens were also present at the programme.