KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 7
Stakeholders have called for the introduction of out-of-country and out-of-district voting mechanisms to ensure the participation of millions of Nepalis living abroad and young voters who are increasingly connected through technology.
They expressed concern that a significant segment of the population could be deprived of their constitutional right to vote in the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.
The demands were raised during the 'Youth and Genji Dialogue' organised by Youth Initiative in collaboration with the Nepal Voters' Rights Forum in New Baneshwor on Friday. Election experts, rights activists and youth representatives gathered at the programme to discuss existing challenges in the electoral system and the need for timely reforms to make elections more inclusive.
Speaking at the event, election expert Radhika Regmi said voting rights should not be confined by geographical boundaries. "Voting is not just a periodic process, it is a fundamental right of citizens," she said, adding that it is technically feasible to arrange voting from outside the country as well as from outside one's registered district.
She stressed the need for coordinated efforts with the Election Commission to advance such reforms by making effective use of the existing legal framework. According to her, political will and institutional commitment are key to translating technical possibilities into practice.
Sharu Joshi, a member of the Nepal Policy Institute, presented a working paper highlighting gaps in policy and data. She described it as ironic that Nepalis contributing significantly to the national economy through remittances are able to send "notes but not votes".
"The state must address the legal loopholes and the lack of reliable data, particularly concerning marginalised communities," Joshi said, emphasising that inclusive electoral participation is essential for a representative democracy.
Arjun Bhattarai, president of the Federation of NGOs, underlined the role of civil society in strengthening the electoral process. He said elections and civil society are deeply interconnected, as both aim to amplify the voice of citizens.
"The government should view youth movements and civil society organisations as partners in electoral reform, not merely as observers," Bhattarai said, calling for constructive collaboration to safeguard democratic values.
Similarly, Yogesh Kafle, president of Youth Initiative, urged authorities not to delay the implementation of alternative voting methods such as electronic voting, internet voting and advance voting. He said such mechanisms are particularly relevant for young voters and migrant workers.
Angel Lama of the Blue Diamond Society highlighted the need for inclusivity in the electoral process. She stressed that polling stations must be disability-friendly, the secrecy of voting should be guaranteed and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity must be eliminated.
Participants concluded that without urgent reforms, a large number of citizens risk being excluded from the electoral process, undermining the credibility and inclusiveness of future elections.
