Executive Summary

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) deployed an International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) to observe Nepal’s 2026 House of Representatives (HoR) elections, held in a politically transitional and polarized environment following the upheaval of September 2025. ANFREL observed that the election day was peaceful and orderly and reflected continued public engagement with democratic processes despite recent political instability. 

However, the electoral process also revealed persistent weaknesses in electoral accountability, uneven enforcement of campaign regulations, inconsistent observer access, and structural barriers to inclusive political participation.  ANFREL’s assessment is based on pre-election consultations with electoral stakeholders and observation of Election Day procedures across diverse geographic locations, in line with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Model Commitments for Advancing Genuine and Credible Elections.

From an administrative perspective, the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) managed the technical preparations for the elections within a compressed timeframe and despite operating with an incomplete membership. Stakeholder confidence in the ECN remained relatively high. However, observers and stakeholders also noted gaps in voter education and uneven access to election information, particularly in remote areas.

The implementation of the electoral Code of Conduct emerged as a significant concern during the campaign period. While a monitoring framework existed, stakeholders widely perceived enforcement to be weak and inconsistent. Violations related to campaign activities and election spending were frequently reported, reinforcing broader concerns regarding the accountability of political actors and the limited consequences for non-compliance.

Campaign finance regulation also remains an area of structural weakness. Although legal spending limits and reporting requirements are in place, stakeholders consistently reported that actual campaign expenditures often exceeded the prescribed ceilings. Limited public access to campaign finance reports and weak enforcement mechanisms reduce transparency and public scrutiny. These dynamics create structural advantages for wealthier candidates and reinforce barriers faced by women and candidates from marginalized communities.

Security personnel were widely deployed across polling stations and generally contributed to maintaining a stable environment on Election Day. The visible presence of security forces was widely perceived by stakeholders as necessary given the recent political tensions. However, observers also noted the presence of armed security personnel inside polling centers in many locations, sometimes positioned close to voting areas. While their presence did not appear to directly interfere with voting, clearer guidance regarding the positioning and role of security forces would help strengthen both the perception and practice of a free voting environment.

Accessibility and inclusion remain areas requiring further attention. Many polling stations were located in schools or public buildings situated in hilly or uneven terrain, presenting logistical challenges for persons with disabilities, elderly voters, and individuals with mobility limitations. While assistance from polling staff, security personnel, and accompanying family members was commonly provided, structural accessibility measures were unevenly implemented.

The elections also highlighted structural challenges related to political representation. Women and marginalised communities remain significantly underrepresented among candidates, particularly in first-past-the-post constituencies  despite constitutional commitments to inclusion. Youth engagement was highly visible throughout the electoral period, reflecting broader public demands for political renewal following the civic mobilization that preceded the elections. However, younger citizens continue to face barriers to entering formal political competition due to party gatekeeping and established candidate selection practices.

Nepal’s citizen election observation ecosystem remains active but constrained. Domestic observer organizations continue to play an important role in monitoring the electoral process, although many operate with limited financial and technical capacity. International observation complemented these efforts by providing independent assessments and comparative perspectives grounded in international standards. At the same time, ANFREL observed limited awareness among some local authorities and security personnel regarding the role and mandate of election observers, particularly the distinction between domestic and international observers. This contributed to inconsistent implementation of observer access protocols and, in some instances, limitations on observation activities.

Voter education emerged as another key concern. While most voters are familiar with the mechanics of casting ballots, broader understanding of Nepal’s mixed electoral system remains limited. Stakeholders also noted that public outreach efforts appeared less visible, inclusive and comprehensive than in previous elections, and civil society organizations that have historically played an important role in voter education were less engaged during this electoral cycle.

Looking ahead, the post-election environment will be critical in shaping the overall legitimacy of the electoral process. Nepal’s democratic experience has historically evolved through periods of political contestation followed by negotiated institutional reforms. In the current context, public demands for accountability, institutional reform, and political renewal remain prominent, particularly among younger citizens. A significant responsibility now rests with political parties (the old and the new) and political leaders to respond constructively to these expectations. Respect for institutional processes, commitment to democratic norms, and a willingness to pursue meaningful reforms will be essential to strengthening public confidence in Nepal’s democratic system.

READ THE FULL INTERIM REPORT: “ANFREL IEOM to the 2026 Nepali House of Representatives Elections Interim Report“

About ANFREL and Mission Profile

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) deployed an International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) to observe Nepal’s 5 March 2026 House of Representatives elections. ANFREL’s IEOM was conducted as an independent and nonpartisan international observation effort and operated separately from domestic election observation initiatives. ANFREL’s work in Nepal reflects a deep-rooted commitment to advancing democratic norms and electoral integrity. 

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), established in 1997, promotes democratic elections in Asia through election observation, capacity building, and advocacy. With 26 member organizations across 18 countries, ANFREL supports civil society, media, and stakeholders in addressing electoral challenges and advancing democratization. Having conducted 86 international election observation missions, ANFREL remains committed to strengthening democratic development and regional solidarity across Asia through principled, professional, and evidence-based observation. 

In Nepal specifically, ANFREL has observed multiple elections, including the 2017 General Elections and the 2022 Federal and Provincial Elections, producing comprehensive reports that have informed democratic reforms. In 2023, ANFREL co-hosted the Asian Electoral Stakeholder Forum VI in Kathmandu, where the Kathmandu Declaration on strengthening democracy and electoral integrity in Asia was adopted. Beyond election observation, ANFREL has supported democratic resilience in Nepal through capacity building and convenings, including the Asian Academy for Electoral Integrity (AAEI) and targeted workshops and dialogues on disinformation and electoral inclusion.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT: 

Ms. Brizza Rosales, Executive Director – brizza@anfrel.org 
Dr. Manjesh Rana, Senior Program Officer for International Election Observation Missions – rana@anfrel.org 
Mr. John Antiquerra, Senior Program Officer for Outreach and Communication – john@anfrel.org