KATHMANDU, MARCH 6 The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) has commended the people of Nepal for their participation in the 2026 elections, which were conducted in a peaceful and orderly environment across the areas observed by ANFREL's International Election Observation Mission. In a statement on Thursday, ANFREL stated that following a period marked by public protests and civic mobilization calling for political accountability and institutional reform, voters across the country turned out to participate actively in the electoral process, demonstrating their continued commitment to democratic participation. ANFREL acknowledges the efforts of the Election Commission of Nepal, polling officials, security forces, and volunteers who administered the electoral process across the country. ANFREL also recognizes the efforts of citizen observers, whose presence supported transparency and public oversight of the process despite, in some cases, limited access and restricted time for observation. The generally calm environment and cooperation among electoral stakeholders contributed to maintaining stability on Election Day. It said ANFREL observers visited 303 polling centers across Nepal, covering both urban and rural areas, including 59.41 % urban locations and 40.59 % rural locations, and spanning both hilly regions (56.11 %) and the plains or Tarai areas (43.89 %). Observers monitored the electoral process from the opening of polling stations, voting and closing processes through the day. The opening of polling stations was generally conducted in an orderly manner. Essential election materials such as ballot papers, ballot boxes, official stamps, voter lists, and indelible ink/marker were available in 94% of observed polling stations, indicating that preparations were largely completed before voting began. ANFREL stated that voting generally proceeded smoothly across observed polling stations. ANFREL observers reported that approximately 72.22% of voters observed were able to cast their ballots within five minutes, suggesting that voting procedures were generally efficient and that polling staff were able to manage voter flow effectively. According to ANFREL, the closing of polls generally proceeded in an orderly and calm manner in the polling stations observed by ANFREL. Polling officials followed established procedures to conclude voting at the official closing time, and voters who were already in line at the time of closing were allowed to cast their ballots in accordance with electoral regulations.