KATHMANDU, SEPTEMBER 16

The Election Commission (EC) has initiated preliminary preparations following the announcement of the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5, 2026, after the dissolution of the House on September 12.

As part of the preparations, the EC has cancelled all programmes related to the Rupandehi-3 by-election, which was earlier scheduled for November 2.

'Formal consultations with the government and logistical planning have started following the election announcement,' said EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai.

Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal has also signalled plans for a budget revision to ensure adequate financial resources are allocated for the upcoming polls.

The HoR was dissolved after President Ramchandra Paudel, acting on the recommendation of newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki, took the decision following the resignation of former PM KP Sharma Oli amid the unrest triggered by the Gen Z protests on September 8–9.

(With inputs from RSS)