The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) is deploying an International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) for Nepal’s 5 March 2026 House of Representatives election to independently assess both the overall technical administration of the election and the broader conditions for political competition within Nepal’s evolving democratic context. In light of recent political upheavals and ongoing institutional recalibration, particular attention will be given to the preparedness, independence, and public credibility of the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN), as well as the capacity of state institutions to administer the electoral process in a transparent, accountable, and impartial manner.

Beyond procedural compliance, the IEOM will assess whether the electoral framework and its implementation contribute to restoring public trust in democratic institutions and reinforcing confidence in political parties as legitimate vehicles for representation and governance.

Particular emphasis will be placed on political inclusion  including the meaningful participation of youth, women, Dalits, Janajati (Indigenous nationalities), persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ communities, and displaced persons as well as the integrity of the information environment. The mission will evaluate related regulatory measures on electoral discourse, political campaigning, voter access to information, and the overall fairness of political competition. 

Subsequently, ANFREL deployed a Pre-Election Assessment Mission (PEAM) from 21–30 January 2026 to examine the broader pre-election context, including the legal and administrative framework, institutional preparedness, civic and political space, electoral security, and the participation of youth and marginalized communities. We are grateful for the Commission’s engagement and the candid, substantive exchanges during this process, which significantly strengthened our contextual understanding of Nepal’s electoral preparations and institutional efforts. 

The Pre-Election Assessment Report is publicly available at the following link: https://anfrel.org/pre-election-assessment-mission-report-2026-house-of-representatives-elections-in-nepal/ . We thank the Commission and all stakeholders for their time, openness, and continued cooperation, and we look forward to maintaining constructive dialogue throughout the observation period.

As an international election observation mission, ANFREL’s IEOM is independent and nonpartisan, and operates separately from any ongoing domestic observation initiatives.

ANFREL’s IEO delegation comprises observers from nine countries: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. The 20 International Election Observers (IEOs) will be deployed across all seven provinces, covering 35 districts, using a Kathmandu Valley–based hub-and-spoke operational model. 

The mission structure includes:

• A Kathmandu-based Mission Management Team and Electoral Analysts (22 February–8 March 2026);
• International Election Observers deployed nationwide (24 February–8 March 2026), organized in three-district clusters; and 
• Additional International Election Observers deployed in Bagmati Province (2–7 March 2026) to observe key hotspots and critical Election Day processes, including silence-period compliance, polling, counting, and initial tabulation

ANFREL will issue an interim public statement based on International Election Observer reporting, including Election Day findings, to be presented during a press conference on 8 March 2026. The mission will continue monitoring immediate post-election developments, including disputes and key institutional responses.

Within one month following Election Day, ANFREL will finalize and publicly release a Final Comprehensive Report and targeted reform briefs. The report will be formally submitted to the Election Commission of Nepal. Subsequently, ANFREL will convene dissemination and reform dialogue sessions with the ECN, civil society, and key stakeholders to support evidence-based electoral improvements and strengthen democratic processes in Nepal.

###

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

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE: “ANFREL Launches International Election Observation Mission for 2026 Nepal General Elections” | “ANFREL द्वारा २१ फागुन २०८२ (५ मार्च २०२६) मा हुने नेपालको प्रतिनिधि सभा निर्वाचनका लागि अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय निर्वाचन पर्यवेक्षण मिशन (IEOM) परिचालन“