Election Briefing by the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai

General Briefing to Diplomatic Missions, United Nations Agencies and International Organisations Based in Kathmandu
by Foreign Secretary Mr. Amrit Bahadur Rai
on the Upcoming Elections to the House of Representatives

11:30 AM, 29 January 2026, MOFA Hall

Excellencies,
Representatives of Diplomatic Missions,
Representatives of the United Nations and International Organisations,

Good morning and Namaskar.

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The purpose of today's briefing is to apprise you of the key aspects of the preparations for the forthcoming elections to the House of Representatives, scheduled to be held on 5 March 2026.

Allow me to highlight the major elements of this important democratic exercise.

First, this election is being held at a significant moment in our democratic journey, following recent Gen-Z movement. With 35 days remaining as of today, the Government of Nepal and the Election Commission are fully committed to ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

This will be the third election to the House of Representatives since the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal in 2015, which underscores the consolidation of our federal democratic system.

The House of Representatives consists of 275 members, of whom 165 will be elected under the First-Past-the-Post system and 110 under the Proportional Representation system.

Second, the Election Commission of Nepal is well advanced in its preparations and remains confident of conducting the elections in a in free, fair, credible and safe environment. Following the nomination of candidates for both electoral systems, the overall electoral environment has been marked by enthusiasm and active participation.

The Commission will provide a comprehensive technical briefing to Diplomatic Missions approximately one week prior to polling day.

Third, election observation remains a vital pillar of the electoral process, contributing to its credibility, integrity and public confidence. As in past elections, the Election Commission has invited both national and international observers to observe the House of Representatives Election, 2026.

To date, four international organisations and thirty-seven national organisations have been accredited. Invitations have also been extended to the Federation of Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA) and to partner countries with whom the Election Commission maintains institutional cooperation. We are currently in the process of receiving their confirmations.

The Government of Nepal reiterates its firm commitment to facilitating the effective conduct of election observation, in accordance with laws and established norms and practices. In this regard, all necessary logistical and operational arrangements will be made by the Election Commission of Nepal, as may be appropriate.

Diplomatic Missions based in Kathmandu are warmly invited to participate in election observation. I would like to thank you all for your interest in this process. Other diplomatic representatives and individuals accredited by the Election Commission will also observe the elections.

Fourth, the Election Commission has prepared Election Day Guidelines, which have been formally communicated to the diplomatic community through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To ensure smooth coordination with relevant authorities, Liaison Officers will be designated to facilitate observers. Diplomatic Missions and international organisations are requested to adhere to the established customary and procedural guidelines related to election observation.

Fifth, the Election Commission has enforced the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, which applies to a wide range of stakeholders. These include the Government of Nepal and its Ministers, constitutional bodies and their officials, security agencies, election personnel, academic institutions, governmental and non-governmental organisations, development committees, political parties and candidates.

Diplomatic Missions, United Nations agencies, international organisations and development partners are also expected to fully observe the Code of Conduct. In particular, they are requested to refrain from activities that may be perceived as influencing the electoral process. These include, but are not limited to, inaugurations, foundation-laying ceremonies, surveys, feasibility studies, grant disbursements, or the provision of vehicles, buildings or materials for political purposes.

Diplomatic missions are strictly prohibited from participating in political party programmes, provision of funds or material support, and the use of technologies-including artificial intelligence and digital platforms-for promotion or advocacy for or against any party or candidate.

Sixth and finally, election security remains a top priority. All national security agencies-including the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force Nepal, the National Intelligence Department and the Election Police-will be mobilised.

The Ministry of Home Affairs will lead election security operations under a three-layered security system with civilian command. Both the Government of Nepal and the Election Commission remain fully committed to ensuring free, fair and secure electoral environment across the country.

Excellencies, I sincerely appreciate your continued cooperation, understanding and support in making our elections a grand success.

Should you have any questions or require further clarification, the floor is now open. I am also pleased to note that the Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the Election Commission of Nepal, Mr. Narayan Bhattarai and the Joint Secretary and the representative of the Ministry of Home Affairs are present to assist with technical queries, if any.

Thank you for your attention.
I wish you all a very good day.