Election Commission steps up talks on voting rights for Nepalis abroad

The Election Commission has intensified preparations and consultations with stakeholders on arrangements to allow hundreds of thousands of Nepali citizens living abroad to vote from outside the country in the upcoming election. The commission has termed this "out-of-country voting."

Chief Election Commissioner Man Bahadur Karki and other officials have begun in-depth discussions with experts on possible methods. The commission is studying options such as setting up polling stations at embassies and consulates, sending ballots by post, voting through proxies, and adopting electronic or hybrid methods.

According to commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, discussions are currently underway on how many Nepalis are actually living abroad, how to include them in the voter list, and what role diplomatic missions should play in conducting the election. Technical and administrative aspects such as managing polling stations and safeguarding ballots after voting have also been prioritized by the commission.

With facilitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the commission has also held discussions with Nepali ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions in various countries.