Study committee proposes postal voting, e-voting and EVMs for Nepalis abroad and inter-district voters

Kathmandu, October 16

A study committee formed by the Election Commission has submitted a report proposing ways for Nepali citizens abroad and voters outside the district where they are registered to cast ballots.

The report suggests three options: postal voting, internet-based voting and electronic voting machines (EVMs). It was prepared by a technical team led by Commissioner Rajiv Subba and a legal team led by Commissioner Guru Wagle, and handed to Chief Election Commissioner Man Bahadur Karki. The commission will study it further and take it up with the government.

For voters abroad, the committee suggests postal ballots, internet-based voting, or EVMs placed in Nepali embassies and missions. It recommends a hybrid model like Bangladesh’s, where voters register and verify their identity through a mobile app, and sealed ballots are then exchanged by post. In Bangladesh, 1.22 million of 1.5 million registered voters took part.

Because a full internet voting system may be hard to introduce immediately, the committee advises starting with EVMs and postal voting, given budget, technical capacity and infrastructure. It also proposes “readiness gates,” under which each system would be introduced only after set benchmarks are met. Internet voting could follow in provincial and House of Representatives elections.

If preparations go on schedule, EVMs and postal voting could be piloted in some places in the next local elections. This would require legal amendments, and a draft law has been sent to the Home Ministry. The Election Commission’s IT infrastructure would also need upgrading.

The committee stressed that these are recommendations only. Legal changes, institutional preparation and coordination with the relevant ministries are still pending.

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