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The Election Commission (EC) has started dispatching ballot papers to 12 electoral constituencies in 10 districts of Karnali Province. 

According to the EC, ballot papers have been transported to the constituencies of Salyan, Rukum West, Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, Kalikot, Jumla, Jajarkot, Dailekh, and Surkhet in Karnali province, informed EC's deputy spokesperson Prakash Neupane. 

Likewise, the commission stated that ballot printing has been completed for 124 constituencies in 58 districts. A total of 15,778,000 ballots have been printed.

A total of 14,341 boxes ballot papers, according to the EC, have been packed so far. Currently, around 1,000 boxes of ballot papers are being packed daily and 1.3 to 1.5 million ballot papers are being printed. 

Ballot papers for the House of Representatives elections are being printed at Janak Education Materials Center Limited, Sano Thimi. 

In the first phase, 1,098,200 sample ballot papers were printed and sent to various districts, the EC stated. 

A total of 20,830,000 ballot papers for the HoR election towards proportional representation were printed, packed, registered, and prepared for transportation, it has been informed. 

Similarly, the EC has stated that 20,323,000 ballot papers are required to be printed for the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) election. Printing of ballot papers for the direct election system began on January 30. 

The Election Commission (EC) has said that the printing of ballot papers for 124 electoral constituencies in 58 districts has been completed. So far, 15. 77 million ballot papers have been printed. 

According to the Election Commission, ballot papers have been printed for Dolpa, Mugu, Kalikot, Humla, Jajarkot, Dailekh, Rukum (West), Salyan, Surkhet, Bajura, Achham, Bajhang, Doti, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Baitadi, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Panchthar, Ilam, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Okhaldhunga, Sunsari, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Khotang, Dhankuta, Baglung, Gulmi, Jhapa, Gorkha, Myagdi, Parbat, Nawalparasi (Susta West), Morang, Udayapur, Mustang, Lamjung, Tanahu, Syangja, Bardiya, Rukum (East), Dang, Banke, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), Palpa, Arghakhanchi, Pyuthan, Rupandehi, Rolpa, Manang, Ramechhap, Sindhuli, Rasuwa and Sindhupalchowk, among others.

Till Wednesday, ballot papers for 53 districts had been printed, and today printing was completed for an additional five districts.

Around 1.5 million ballot papers are being printed every day.

Similarly, 20,830,000 ballot papers for the proportional representation electoral system have already been printed. A total of 20,323,000 ballot papers are to be printed for the first-past-the-post electoral system.

The EC has said that ballot papers for 12 electoral constituencies in 10 districts of Karnali were dispatched today. 

They are for Salyan, Rukum West, Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, Kalikot, Jumla, Jajarkot, Dailekh and Surkhet, according to Assistant Spokesperson Prakash Neupane.

House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia Chairman Bill Huizenga has said that recent elections in Bangladesh and Nepal present new opportunities for U.S. engagement in South Asia.

In his opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled “South Asia: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Region,” Huizenga described South and Central Asia as a dynamic region where young and growing populations are increasingly drawn to Western cultures and values rather than to what he called China’s “authoritarian alternative.”

Bordering India, both Nepal and Bangladesh are undergoing significant political transformations. Bangladesh held general elections on February 12, following the July 2024 revolution that led to the ouster of an authoritarian government in September 2025. Meanwhile, Nepal is set to hold democratic elections on March 5 after youth-led protests overthrew the previous government.

Huizenga said these developments mark “new chapters for engagement” in South Asia and provide an opportunity to redefine U.S. relations with the new governments.

Emphasizing the strategic importance of the region, he reiterated that South and Central Asia remain vital to U.S. foreign policy interests, particularly as their young populations shape the political and economic future of the region.

Here is the full-text of his speech: 

Our strategy there is key to the United States national security and economic strength and our global presence. South and Central Asia is home to nearly 2 billion people, dynamic economies and strategic waterways that shape the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

 Throughout the region, the President has successfully negotiated deals that open markets and advance U.S. Economic interests. Now we are going to engage and how we engage will define America's role in Asia for decades to come.

 China has come to the same conclusion, no surprise. Through its belt and road initiative, China engages in predatory lending to further its security interests and force smaller nations into debt traps. Furthermore, China has hardened its border with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, building infrastructure to support its military aspirations.

 Despite its distance from our shores, maintaining a free and open Indian Ocean is a priority for our national and our economic security. The Indian Ocean is one of the busiest maritime corridors on the Earth, carrying the lifeblood of global commerce and energy, including more than 80% of global seaborne oil trade.

Safeguarding these sea lanes through enhanced naval cooperation with partners and allies will only serve to counter China's growing influence and limit its malign behavior in the region. Alongside President Trump, I too see the importance of our naval base on Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian ocean. 

I echo this sentiment that preserving America's military fortitude in the region will deter Chinese coercion, prevent piracy, and ensure the free flow of American and world trade. Directly north of Diego Garcia, India, the largest democracy in the world and one of the fastest growing economies, remains a vital strategic partner. Just last week, President Trump brokered a historic trade deal with India, completely revamping US engagement with the country. The US-India trade deal sets India's tariff rate at 18%, one of the lowest regionally. Moreover, Delhi has agreed to buy more American energy. This deal will strengthen US-India relations, support American workers through manufacturing and joint technology ventures, and boost our exports.

Strengthening ties with New Delhi through defense cooperation, trade and technology partnerships advances our shared interests. I look forward to increasing cooperation, co-production and investment, especially under the new framework negotiated by the President. Bordering India, Nepal and Bangladesh are undergoing political transformations. 

Bangladesh will hold free elections tomorrow following its 2024 July revolution, which ousted an authoritarian government in September of 2025, Nepalese youth overthrew the government and Nepal will hold democratic elections next month. Both of these instances offer new chapters for engagement in South Asia, defining US relations with these new governments. South and Central Asia is a dynamic region, young growing populations are more often drawn to western cultures and values than to China's authoritarian alternative.

Strategic US led diplomacy will make a difference in building alliances and achieving our mutual beneficial goals throughout the region. Our strategy in South Asia must be comprehensive, anchored in strong partnerships, economic engagement, and a commitment to democratic values. Our engagement in the region must advance American interests, but also continue to contribute to a more secure, prosperous and free Indian Ocean. I look forward to hearing from Assistant Secretary Kapur regarding the administration's South and Central Asia strategy.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that  voting in the mountainous and hilly districts will be held on March 5 under any circumstances.

The Prime Minister arrived in Solukhumbu today to assess election preparations, relevant security arrangements, and geographical challenges. 

On the occasion, she stated that there is no situation that would warrant postponing the election, emphasizing that the election must be held as scheduled.

“There is no alternative to holding the election on March 5 to free the country from the cycle of instability,” she said. Acknowledging the challenges of conducting elections in mountainous regions, she added that the government has already made necessary arrangements to address such adversities.

The Prime Minister urged voters, political parties, and candidates to remain confident that the election will be conducted in a fearless, peaceful, and impartial atmosphere. According to her, the government’s entire focus is now on ensuring the election is held in a cordial environment. She also called on all concerned bodies to concentrate their efforts on the polls.

During a briefing with the District Security Committee, the Prime Minister specifically directed authorities to create an environment where voters can cast their ballots without fear, pressure, or influence.

She instructed the concerned authorities to leave no stone unturned in guaranteeing security at remote polling stations in the mountainous areas, and directed them to mobilize additional security forces if necessary.

On the occasion, Chief District Officer Leela Kumari Pandey KC presented a detailed briefing to the Prime Minister, highlighting the district’s overall security situation, the physical status of polling centers, and their accessibility.

After reviewing the details, the Prime Minister directed the authorities to take special precautions regarding security, transportation of election materials, and the safety of ballot papers, according to CDO Pandey.

Solukhumbu, the part of Koshi Province, has 123 polling stations. The District Administration Office stated that alternative plans have been prepared in view of possible snowfall, climate conditions, and geographical challenges.

The Prime Minister said it is the constitutional responsibility of the government to ensure the voting rights of people in all areas, including mountainous regions. She assured that necessary arrangements would be made to enable the voters of Solukhumbu to cast their ballots in an easy and accessible manner.