5 March 2026
Kathmandu, Nepal

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) commends the people of Nepal for their participation in the 2026 elections, which were conducted in a  peaceful and orderly environment across the areas observed by ANFREL’s International Election Observation Mission. Following a period marked by public protests and civic mobilization calling for political accountability and institutional reform, voters across the country turned out to participate actively in the electoral process, demonstrating their continued commitment to democratic participation.

ANFREL acknowledges the efforts of the Election Commission of Nepal, polling officials, security forces, and volunteers who administered the electoral process across the country. ANFREL also recognizes the efforts of citizen observers, whose presence supported transparency and public oversight of the process despite, in some cases, limited access and restricted time for observation. The generally calm environment and cooperation among electoral stakeholders contributed to maintaining stability on Election Day.

ANFREL observers visited 303 polling centers across Nepal, covering both urban and rural areas, including 59.41 % urban locations and 40.59 % rural locations, and spanning both hilly regions (56.11 %) and the plains or Tarai areas (43.89 %). Observers monitored the electoral process from the opening of polling stations, voting and closing processes through the day. 

Opening Process

The opening of polling stations was generally conducted in an orderly manner. Essential election materials such as ballot papers, ballot boxes, official stamps, voter lists, and indelible ink/marker were available in 94% of observed polling stations, indicating that preparations were largely completed before voting began.

Polling staff generally followed opening procedures, including inspecting equipment and preparing ballot boxes in the presence of polling agents. However, only around 56% of polling stations observed began voting exactly at the official opening time, with several stations experiencing minor delays due to final preparations or administrative arrangements.

Observers noted that queues before the opening of polling stations were mostly orderly, with approximately 89% of observed locations reporting organized voter queues. Political party representatives, polling officials, and security personnel were present in most locations during the opening procedures.

However, observers also reported that in some polling stations access to observe the opening procedures was restricted, with observers occasionally asked to wait outside polling premises or coordinate with officials before entry.

Voting Process

Voting generally proceeded smoothly across observed polling stations. ANFREL observers reported that approximately 72.22% of voters observed were able to cast their ballots within five minutes, suggesting that voting procedures were generally efficient and that polling staff were able to manage voter flow effectively. A smaller proportion of voters required between 6–10 minutes, while only a very small number took longer than 15 minutes to complete the voting process. 

Polling booths were generally arranged to ensure ballot secrecy. However, minor issues were observed in a small number of polling stations where booth arrangements did not fully prevent visibility from certain angles, including cases where booth barriers did not fully cover the back or where the positioning of the booth could allow individuals nearby to glimpse the ballot-marking process. 

Polling stations observed were most commonly located in school premises (73.27%), while others were set up in outdoor or open spaces (10.23 %), temple premises (4.62 %), community halls (1.98 %), or other public facilities such as government offices or health centers. These locations generally allowed for organized voter movement and adequate space for election operations. 

Observers also noted concerns related to the quality of indelible ink used during the voting process. In several instances, voters reported that the ink could be easily removed or faded shortly after application, raising questions about the durability of the ink as a safeguard against multiple voting.

Observers also reported the presence of polling agents, domestic observers, media representatives, and voters in most locations throughout the voting process. 

Closing Process

The closing of polls generally proceeded in an orderly and calm manner in the polling stations observed by ANFREL. Polling officials followed established procedures to conclude voting at the official closing time, and voters who were already in line at the time of closing were allowed to cast their ballots in accordance with electoral regulations.

Observers reported that polling staff began preparing the necessary procedures for closing shortly after voting concluded. This included organizing election materials, securing ballot boxes, and preparing documentation required for the next stage of the process. Party agents, domestic observers, international observers, and other electoral stakeholders were present in several locations during the closing process, contributing to transparency and oversight

Observer Access

ANFREL observers reported inconsistent implementation of observer access protocols across polling stations. While many observers were able to conduct observation freely, some teams experienced time and space restrictions or were asked by security personnel to limit the duration of their stay inside polling stations or stay in a particular section of the polling station, which in some cases did not provide the observers a good view of the proceedings inside the polling station. In several cases as well, observers were asked to provide additional verification or coordinate with polling officials before being allowed to continue observation.

In a few instances during the closing process, domestic and international observers reported being asked to leave polling stations following instructions from police or other security personnel. These decisions appeared to be based on security considerations rather than instructions from polling officials, which affected observers’ ability to monitor the final stage of the voting process.

These situations appeared to stem largely from limited awareness among some security personnel, particularly Election Police, regarding the role and authorization of domestic and international election observers. 

Overall, these cases suggest inconsistent understanding of observer mandates among security personnel. Strengthening briefing and coordination between election authorities and security forces could help ensure more consistent observer access and a clearer understanding of the role of domestic and international observers in future elections.

Accessibility and Inclusion

ANFREL observed persistent challenges related to accessibility and inclusive voting arrangements across several polling stations. While some polling stations were located in facilities that allowed relatively easier access for voters, structural barriers remained evident in many locations, particularly where polling stations were set up in school premises or buildings with stairs, uneven pathways, or elevated entrances.

Only around 39% of observed polling stations had ramps available, while the majority lacked basic infrastructure that would allow easy access for persons with disabilities, elderly voters, or voters with mobility limitations. Although approximately 61% of polling stations observed were considered wheelchair-accessible, this was often due to the general layout of the premises rather than intentional accessibility measures.

Observers noted instances where pathways leading to polling stations involved steep slopes, uneven terrain, or staircases without alternative access, making it difficult for voters with mobility limitations to enter independently. In some cases, polling stations were located inside school buildings with multiple steps at the entrance and no ramps, requiring voters to rely on assistance from others.

ANFREL recognizes that some of these challenges may be linked to broader infrastructural limitations of existing facilities used as polling stations. However, reasonable accommodations should still be provided to ensure inclusive participation. For example, polling stations could be strategically placed closer to entrances, allowing voters with disabilities, elderly voters, or those with mobility limitations to access the voting process more easily.

In several locations observed, accessibility depended heavily on assistance from polling staff, security personnel, or accompanying family members, rather than structural accommodation. While such assistance reflects willingness to support voters, it also underscores the importance of moving beyond accessibility audits toward practical measures that ensure accessible polling environments and independent participation for all voters.

Security Environment

Security personnel were widely and visibly deployed at polling stations across the country. Observers reported the presence of armed security personnel inside polling centers in approximately 72% of observed locations, reflecting a strong and highly visible security presence intended to maintain order and deter potential disruptions.

Overall, the presence of security forces contributed to a generally stable environment on Election Day. However, ANFREL observers noted that security measures were often implemented in a very strict manner, with armed Nepal Police stationed not only at the entrance of polling centers but also inside the premises and, in some cases, within the immediate voting area.

While these deployments appeared to be aimed at ensuring security and order, their close proximity to the voting process raised concerns regarding the appropriate positioning of armed security personnel inside polling centers. The presence of armed officers within the voting area may create a perception of undue influence or intimidation, even if no direct interference was observed.

Observers also reported that some security personnel, particularly Election Police, appeared unfamiliar with the authorization and role of international election observers. In several instances, observers were asked to provide additional verification, were subjected to strict checks, or were instructed to limit their observation time inside polling stations.

These observations suggest that greater clarity is needed regarding the respective roles of election officials and security forces within polling centers.

Overall Assessment

Based on observer reports submitted as of 6:00 PM, the overall conduct of the Election Day process was generally assessed as positive across the areas observed. Of the responses evaluating the polling environment and process, 39% rated the process as Average, indicating that several minor incidents or irregularities were observed but without significant impact on the integrity of the process. 33% assessed the process as Good, where only a few incidents or irregularities were noted, while 22% rated it as Very Good, indicating that no significant incidents were observed. A small proportion, 6%, assessed the process as Poor, reflecting isolated incidents that could have affected aspects of the process.

Overall, Election Day in Nepal was peaceful, and administered efficiently, reflecting the continued commitment of Nepali voters and electoral institutions to democratic participation.  Addressing issues related to accessibility, observer access, and consistent awareness among electoral stakeholders will further strengthen the inclusiveness and transparency of future elections.

ANFREL will continue to monitor the counting process and the post-election environment in the coming days.

ANFREL will hold its press briefing and release the Interim Report of the International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) for the 2026 Nepal Elections on 8 March 2026 at The Malla Hotel, 10:30AM to 11:30AM.

ABOUT ANFREL

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL), established in 1997, promotes democratic elections in Asia through election observation, capacity building, and advocacy efforts. ANFREL has previously conducted election observation missions in Nepal and across the Asian region, assessing polling, counting, results management, and broader electoral conditions.

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

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DOWNLOAD THE FULL STATEMENT HERE: “Nepal’s 2026 House of Representatives Elections Conducted Peacefully and Orderly due to Visible Security Deployment; Accessibility and Observer Access Concerns Identified“