KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 7
Nearly 60 groups of Nepali students studying in universities across 10 countries have formally urged the Prime Minister, President and Chief Election Commissioner to ensure voting rights for Nepalis living abroad in the upcoming elections.
Students based in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, China, Japan, India, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and France submitted a memorandum calling for the introduction of a digital voting system enabling participation of migrant workers, students and other citizens residing outside Nepal.
Their key demands include a digital voting system, national ID or passport-based authentication, self-declaration for citizenship verification, digital receipts, and full voting rights in both first-past-the-post and proportional representation categories. They also sought immediate implementation of a work plan for external voting.
Citing studies by the Policy Research Institute and Nepal Policy Institute, the students argued that i-voting is the most suitable option for external voting and can be integrated with Nepal's existing national identity card authentication system.
The groups expressed concern that despite earlier commitments from the interim government to enable voting for Nepalis abroad, no concrete work plan has been introduced. They urged the Election Commission to take the Gen Z movement seriously and develop the necessary infrastructure without delay.
The students also called for filling vacant positions at the Election Commission with competent and impartial personnel and said they are ready to provide technical support to help Nepal ensure full electoral participation for citizens abroad.
