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With less than two weeks remaining before the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, Election Commission Nepal has unveiled a sweeping 64-point directive aimed at tightening campaign discipline, curbing financial irregularities, and preventing the resurgence of election-related malpractices.

The detailed code comes amid growing concerns over rising campaign expenditures, the expanding influence of social media, and recurring allegations of voter inducement and misuse of state resources in past elections. By introducing stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer prohibitions, the Commission appears determined to project institutional authority and reinforce electoral credibility.

Nepal’s previous electoral cycles have often been marred by accusations of vote buying, use of public vehicles and state machinery for partisan purposes, and inflammatory rhetoric targeting marginalized communities. While the country has largely avoided large-scale electoral violence in recent years, sporadic incidents of intimidation, financial inducement, and character attacks have persisted.

The new directive signals the Commission’s effort to close regulatory gaps — particularly in campaign financing and digital campaigning — while reinforcing the spirit of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 and prevailing federal election laws.

Campaign activities—including rallies, assemblies, door-to-door outreach, and media promotions—are permitted only between Falgun 4 and Falgun 18 (February 16-March 2, 2026). A mandatory 48-hour silence period before polling will prohibit all forms of campaign activity, including social media posts and online messaging.

The emphasis on digital silence reflects a recognition of the increasing role of online platforms in shaping voter perceptions. By extending restrictions to social media sharing and reposting, the Commission is attempting to prevent last-minute misinformation or targeted messaging.

A central feature of the directive is its stringent financial oversight. Candidates must route all election-related expenses through banks or financial institutions. Contributions exceeding NPR 25,000 must be deposited into a separate bank account, and detailed expenditure reports must be submitted within 35 days of the election results.

The Commission has also prohibited financial assistance from government bodies, NGOs, educational institutions, and public entities in violation of federal law. These measures are widely interpreted as an effort to curb opaque funding channels and reduce the influence of money in politics.

Election analysts note that effective enforcement will be key. While reporting requirements have existed in previous elections, critics argue that monitoring mechanisms have historically lacked teeth. The Commission’s public warning of strict action suggests a more assertive approach this time.

In a notable shift, the directive severely restricts visual campaign materials. Only a single-color leaflet of limited size is permitted. Posters, banners, digital displays, flex boards, wall paintings, and even digital advertising boards are banned. Sound systems may only be used during approved assemblies between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.

The prohibition of plastic and non-biodegradable materials marks an environmental dimension to the code, aligning electoral conduct with broader sustainability concerns. Parties are required to collect and manage campaign materials responsibly after events.

Additionally, the use of children in campaign activities has been explicitly barred, reinforcing child protection standards.

The directive introduces strict vehicle regulations. Candidates may use only up to two light vehicles in their constituency, subject to prior approval from the Election Officer. Vehicles cannot be used to transport voters, and motorized rallies are prohibited.

These measures target a common election-time practice of mobilizing voters through organized transport, which critics argue can distort voter autonomy and create unequal advantages for wealthier candidates.

To protect ballot integrity, the Commission has reiterated prohibitions against tampering with ballot papers and boxes, producing fake ballots, unauthorized entry into polling or counting centers, and carrying weapons near polling stations.

Access to polling and counting venues will be strictly limited to authorized personnel, voters, and approved representatives. Disturbances within 300 meters of polling centers are banned.

The directive explicitly bars campaigning that promotes hatred based on religion, caste, ethnicity, language, gender, or region. It also prohibits rhetoric undermining Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or federal democratic republican system.

This provision reflects heightened sensitivity to divisive narratives in a politically fragmented landscape. By including protections for senior citizens, women, sexual and gender minorities, and persons with disabilities, the Commission signals an intent to safeguard inclusive democratic participation.

The Commission has encouraged citizens and political actors to report violations to Election Officers, Chief Election Officers, local administration, or directly to the Commission. This participatory monitoring model aims to expand oversight beyond institutional mechanisms. 

The breadth of the 64-point directive underscores the Commission’s attempt to assert regulatory control in a competitive and often polarized political environment. However, the true test will lie in enforcement.

In its concluding appeal, the Commission has urged all parties and candidates to fully comply with the directive and contribute to an election that is free, fair, transparent, credible, and fear-free.

As political parties prepare to intensify their outreach within the limited campaign window, observers say adherence to the code will determine not only the credibility of the March 5 vote but also public trust in Nepal’s evolving democratic institutions. 

On March 5, Nepal is holding the election for the 275-member House of Representative (HoR) which will be the 10th democratic elections in Nepal’s history, including the referendum of 1980 and two elections of Constituent Assembly elections. The election is taking place against the backdrop of the Sept 8-9 Genz protests. Nepal’s electoral history from 1959 to 2022 reflects a gradual evolution from a nascent democracy with limited participation to a complex multiparty system, emphasizing inclusive representation. This is an overview of Nepal’s electoral exercise since 1959. 

1959 Parliamentary Elections

Nepal’s first parliamentary election was held in 1959, with polling conducted over 45 days—from Feb 18 to April 10—due to limited transportation and logistical constraints. A total of 4,246,468 voters were registered, and turnout stood at 42.19 percent.  Although participation was modest, the election was widely regarded as a historic democratic milestone. Nine political parties and 12 independent candidates contested the polls. The House of Representatives comprised 109 members, while the National Assembly had 36 members—half nominated by the King and half elected. The Nepali Congress secured victory with 74 seats. Other parties won as follows: Nepal Rastrabadi Gorkha Parisad (19), Samyukta Prajatantra Party (5), Nepal Communist Party (4), Nepal Praja Parisad (Acharya) (2), Nepal Praja Parisad (Mishra) (2), and independents (4). Dwarika Devi Thakurani became Nepal’s first female lawmaker. Several political heavyweights, including D.R. Regmi, Tanka Prasad Acharya, and K.I. Singh, were defeated. Nepali Congress leader B.P. Koirala became Nepal’s first democratically elected Prime Minister. However, in 1960, King Mahendra dismissed the government and imposed the party-less Panchayat system, halting parliamentary democracy for three decades.

1980 Referendum

The 1980 referendum marked a critical turning point. Voters were asked to choose between a reformed Panchayat system and a multiparty democracy. Out of 7,192,451 registered voters, turnout reached 66.93 percent. Invalid votes accounted for 7.64 percent, reflecting both the novelty of the process and voter confusion. The reformed Panchayat system secured 54.79 percent of the vote, while 45.21 percent supported multiparty democracy. Notably, 19 districts, including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Morang, Sunsari, Kaski, Rupandehi, Dang, and Kanchanpur, voted in favor of multiparty democracy. The result revealed a country divided between continuity and change, foreshadowing the pro-democracy movement of 1990.

1990 Restoration of Democracy

The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 2047 B.S. (1990 A.D.), restored multiparty democracy and established a bicameral legislature comprising the House of Representatives and the National Assembly. The National Assembly consisted of 60 members: 35 elected by the HoR through a single transferable vote system, 15 elected by an electoral college from the five development regions (three per region), and 10 appointed by the King. Members served six-year terms, with one-third retiring every two years. The House of Representatives consisted of 205 constituencies.

1991 Parliamentary Elections

The first election after the restoration of democracy was held on May 12, 1991. Of 11,191,777 registered voters, 65.15 percent cast their ballots. Invalid votes stood at 4.42 percent. Among 1,345 candidates, seven women and three independents were elected. The Nepali Congress won 110 seats, followed by CPN-UML with 69 seats, Samyukta Janamorcha with 9, and Nepal Sadbhawana Party with 6. The remaining seats went to smaller parties. Article 114 of the 1990 Constitution required parties to field at least five percent women candidates. Accordingly, 80 women contested the election, of whom seven were elected. A by-election in February 1994 increased the number of women lawmakers to eight. Daman Nath Dhungana was elected Speaker. Girija Prasad Koirala became Prime Minister, but internal party disputes led to the dissolution of Parliament in 1994.

1994 Mid-term Elections 

Mid-term elections were held on Nov 15, 1994. Registered voters increased to 12,327,329, and turnout reached 61.86 percent. The CPN-UML emerged as the largest party with 88 seats, followed by the Nepali Congress (83), Rastriya Prajatantra Party (20), Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party (4), Nepal Sadbhawana Party (3), and independents (7). Of 86 female candidates, six were elected, including Sailaja Acharya, Lila Shrestha, Mina Pandey, Bidya Devi Bhandari, Sahana Pradhan, and Kamala Devi Panta. Manmohan Adhikari of CPN-UML formed a minority government that lasted six months. This Parliament endorsed the Mahakali Treaty with India.

1999 Parliamentary Elections

Held on May 17, 1999, the election saw 2,238 candidates representing 39 political parties and independents. There were 13,518,839 registered voters, with turnout at 65.79 percent. Of 143 women candidates, 12 were elected. The Nepali Congress won 111 seats, CPN-UML 71, RPP 11, and the remaining seats went to smaller parties. Tara Nath Ranabhat was elected Speaker. Krishna Prasad Bhattarai initially became Prime Minister but was later replaced by Girija Prasad Koirala.

First Constituent Assembly Elections (2008) 

Following the Interim Constitution of 2007, Nepal held its historic Constituent Assembly (CA) election on April 10, 2008. The 601-member CA included 240 members elected through First-Past-The-Post (FPTP), 335 through Proportional Representation (PR), and 26 nominated members. Of 17,611,832 registered voters, turnout was 61.70 percent. Combining FPTP and PR results, the Maoists won 220 seats, Nepali Congress 110, CPN-UML 103, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum 52, and Tarai-Madhes Loktantrik Party 20. In total, 25 parties gained representation. Women held 197 seats (32.8 percent), marking a significant leap in inclusion. Pushpa Kamal Dahal became Prime Minister, though his government collapsed within nine months amid institutional conflict.

Second Constituent Assembly Elections (2013) 

The second CA election was held on Nov 19, 2013. Turnout reached 78.34 percent. Nepali Congress emerged as the largest party, followed by CPN-UML and the Maoists. Women secured 176 seats (nearly 29 percent) of the Assembly. Sushil Koirala became Prime Minister with CPN-UML support. The Assembly promulgated the Constitution of Nepal in 2015, establishing a federal democratic republic.

2017 Parliamentary Elections 

The first federal parliamentary elections under the 2015 Constitution were held in two phases in November and December 2017. Out of 15,427,938 registered voters, turnout was nearly 69 percent. Under FPTP, UML won 80 seats, Nepali Congress 23, Maoist Centre 36, and others 26. Under PR, UML secured 41 seats, Nepali Congress 40, and Maoist Centre 17. Women won 92 seats in the 275-member House. An electoral alliance between UML and Maoists later formed the Nepal Communist Party, with K.P. Sharma Oli as Prime Minister.

2022 Parliamentary Elections

The election was held on Nov 20, 2022. Registered voters totaled 17,988,570, with turnout at 61.4 percent. Nepali Congress emerged as the largest party with 89 seats, followed by CPN-UML (78), Maoist Centre (32), Rastriya Swatantra Party (21), and RPP (14). Women secured 91 seats in the 275-member House, reflecting continued though uneven progress in representation. Pushpa Kamal Dahal became Prime Minister in a coalition government, underscoring the era of fragmented mandates and coalition politics.

Road to 2026 Parliamentary Elections

Following the Gen Z movement, parliamentary elections are scheduled for March 5, 2026. There are 18,903,689 registered voters: 9,663,358 men, 9,240,131 women, and 200 registered under the LGBTIQ category. Under the PR system, 63 parties are participating under 58 symbols. Under FPTP, 65 of 107 registered parties are contesting. A total of 3,406 candidates are contesting under FPTP and 3,135 under PR, including 1,772 women and 1,363 men.

Conclusion

From the landmark 1959 election that brought B.P. Koirala led the inclusive, mixed electoral system of the federal republic era, Nepal’s parliamentary journey reflects resilience amid instability and transformation. The party-less system endorsed in 1980, the restoration of democracy in 1990, the turbulence of the 1990s, and the republican shift after 2008 collectively illustrate a gradual deepening of democratic participation and institutional reform. While governments have frequently changed and alliances have shifted, voter engagement has remained relatively robust. Representation, particularly of women and marginalized groups, has expanded through proportional mechanisms and constitutional mandates. As Nepal approaches the 2026 elections, its electoral history reveals both the persistent challenges of political consolidation and the enduring public commitment to democratic choice and pluralism.

The Chinese government is to provide USD four million to Nepal for the elections to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5. 

A Cabinet meeting held today decided to accept the amount to be received as the grant. 

Government Spokesperson and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal also took the decision to approve the investment model for Budhigandaki Project as mentioned in current fiscal year's budget and programme.  

Similarly, Chief Judge of Kathmandu District Court, Diwakar Bhatta, has been appointed Chairperson of Consumer Court Kathmandu with the responsibility of overseeing the functions of Kathmandu District Court as well.  

The meeting also declared the public holidays for 2083 BS as well as to form Gen Z Council, he added.

The government has announced a three-day public holiday from March 4 to March 6 for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5. 

A Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday made the decision to this effect. 

Earlier, the Election Commission had urged the government to grant a three-day holiday in order to encourage enthusiastic voter participation.