Kathmandu, September 24
President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued an ordinance amending the Voter List Act 2016, paving the way for new voter registrations ahead of the national election scheduled for March 5.
The ordinance was issued on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers under Article 114(1) of the Constitution. It amends Section 4(2)(2) of the Voter List Act, which had barred registration after the announcement of an election date.
According to the previous provision, “once the date of election is announced, no voter registration shall be made for that election.” This legal hurdle had prevented eligible citizens particularly youth who recently reached voting age from being listed in the voter roll.
Election Commission spokesperson Suman Ghimire said that after the ordinance, the commission will take necessary decisions and announce dates for voter registration. “With this ordinance, the way has opened for eligible citizens to register in the voter list,” he said.
The interim government formed following the Gen Z youth movement had declared fresh elections for March 5. Many young people who played a role in the political change had not yet been registered as voters despite being eligible. The ordinance was brought to address this gap and ensure broader participation in the election.
