Compared to the previous elections, international organizations have not shown much interest to be part of the observing body on November 20 elections to the federal parliament and seven provincial assemblies.  Two vital organizations—European Union and The Carter Center—that observed previous elections of Nepal aren’t coming this time. It should be noted that the EU’s 2017 observation report landed in controversy after the Election Commission (EC) expressed its concerns stating that the activities of the EU observers violated the codes of ethics. The election body has invited chief election commissioners of SAARC countries to observe the upcoming polls. Except for Pakistan, chief election commissioners from all SAARC countries are set to visit Nepal to play the role of observers. 

Election officials say the number of international observers will be much lower this time.

As of Nov 2, only four international organizations Asian Network for Free Elections, the SAARC Human Rights Foundation, the Civil Chamber of the Russian Federation, and the Support initiative for Liberty and Democracy had agreed to be part of the international election observation body.  This is also the first time that a Russian organization has agreed to observe Nepal’s elections.