Kathmandu — Nepal’s House of Representatives election concluded peacefully across the country on Thursday, with preliminary estimates indicating that about 60 percent of eligible voters participated in the nationwide voting process.
Voting began at 7:00 a.m. and continued until 5:00 p.m. at polling centers across Nepal. Election authorities said the voting process remained largely smooth and orderly. Following the completion of voting, officials began collecting ballot boxes from polling stations and preparing for vote counting.
Voter Turnout Varies Across Districts
Preliminary data released after the election shows different levels of voter participation across several districts.
In Jhapa district, more than 64 percent of voters participated in the election. Out of more than 713,000 registered voters, approximately 458,000 voters cast their ballots. Election officials said women’s participation in the district was notably high.
Similarly, Rupandehi district recorded strong voter turnout. Out of more than 672,000 registered voters, over 442,000 people voted, resulting in about 65 percent participation.
In Ramechhap district, turnout was comparatively lower. Out of more than 187,000 registered voters, about 90,000 voters cast their ballots, representing roughly 48 percent turnout.
In Rukum West, turnout reached 59 percent, while Humla district recorded 64.95 percent voter participation, according to preliminary figures.
Meanwhile, Sindhuli district reported 53.58 percent turnout, and Chitwan district recorded around 60 percent participation.
Other districts also reported moderate turnout. Mustang district recorded about 56 percent, Parbat district around 61 percent, and Syangja district approximately 49 percent, according to initial reports from local election offices.
Provincial Voting Figures
In Sudurpashchim Province, overall turnout reached about 50.9 percent, according to provincial election authorities. Among the province’s nine districts, Kanchanpur recorded the highest turnout at 58.6 percent, while Achham reported the lowest participation at about 39 percent.
In Karnali Province, voting also concluded peacefully, with voter participation reaching about 53 percent, according to provincial election officials.
Minor Disputes and Local Boycott
Although voting remained largely peaceful nationwide, a few isolated incidents were reported.
In Tamakoshi Rural Municipality-4 of Dolakha district, a dispute between election staff and political party representatives temporarily disrupted voting. Police fired warning shots to bring the situation under control, and voting later resumed after discussions among concerned parties.
In Mane Bhanjyang Rural Municipality-7 of Okhaldhunga district, local residents collectively boycotted the election to protest the government’s failure to fulfill their demand for the construction of a hospital. As a result, local voters did not participate at that polling center.
Ballot Boxes Transported From Remote Areas
Following the completion of voting, authorities began collecting ballot boxes from polling stations across the country.
The Election Commission said Nepal Army helicopters are being used to transport ballot boxes from geographically remote and mountainous areas. Ballot boxes from districts including Rasuwa, Dolakha, Bajhang, Bajura, Humla, and Rukum East are being transported by air to designated counting centers.
Officials said ballot boxes from some remote Himalayan districts are expected to reach counting centers by Friday morning.
National Human Rights Commission Observation
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) monitored the election nationwide and said the overall voting process was satisfactory from a human rights perspective.
According to the commission, most polling stations operated peacefully. However, it noted management shortcomings in some areas, including limited accessibility for persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, and other vulnerable groups at certain polling locations.
Reactions From Political Leaders and Officials
President Ramchandra Paudel expressed satisfaction over the peaceful completion of the election, saying it marked an important step in strengthening Nepal’s democratic process.
Constitutional expert Bhimarjun Acharya also said the successful completion of the election was the result of collective efforts from multiple stakeholders.
Preparations for Vote Counting
With voting now completed, authorities are focusing on collecting ballot boxes and ensuring security arrangements. The Election Commission said vote counting will begin after all ballot boxes reach the offices of the respective returning officers and an all-party meeting is held.
The election was held for 275 seats in Nepal’s federal parliament, including 165 seats under the first-past-the-post system and 110 seats under the proportional representation system.
Officials said preliminary election results are expected to begin emerging shortly after the vote-counting process begins.
