Final Assessment Mission Report: 2026 House of Representatives Elections in Nepal

The March 2026 House of Representatives elections in Nepal were held in the aftermath of a profound political crisis triggered by the 2025 youth-led uprising. What began as protests against a social media ban rapidly evolved into a broader movement demanding accountability, transparency, and political renewal, culminating in the resignation of the Prime Minister, the dissolution of parliament, and the formation of an interim government. 

Within this context, the elections were widely seen as a critical opportunity to restore public trust and institutional credibility. ANFREL’s Pre-Election Assessment Mission showed that stakeholders most commonly characterised the interim set-up as a government of necessity. Expectations were defined more by stabilisation and delivery than by expansive policymaking. In this framing, the caretaker administration’s core tasks were to restore basic state functionality after unrest, manage a fragile political climate, and prepare the ground for elections within a limited mandate. 

Within a 150-day window, the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) was able conduct all the necessary administrative and logistical preparations. The ECN was able to do this despite missing two Election Commissioners in its composition. The number of voters in the rolls also increased  by almost 1,000,000 new voters. The increase was due to the extension of the voter registration period, as well as the integration of the national ID database into the voter roll system. 

ECN records indicated 136 registered political parties, with 120 applying to contest; by the close of nominations, 63 parties (under 57 election symbols) submitted Proportional Representation (PR) closed lists, while 67 parties fielded First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) candidates. There were no major incidents reported during the campaign period. Political parties and candidates were able to campaign freely and peacefully. 

Political competition in this electoral cycle was marked by a tension between established parties and emerging actors, with traditional parties such as the Nepali Congress facing challenges in articulating reform agendas that resonate with a politically mobilized and increasingly skeptical electorate. Attempts at reform were often perceived as delayed or insufficient, particularly in a context where all major parties carry legacies of past political struggles and governance responsibilities.

At the same time, socioeconomic concerns particularly unemployment and economic stagnation remained central drivers of voter sentiment, reinforcing demands for accountability and tangible governance outcomes.

Likewise, on Election Day, 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.  

From an administrative perspective, the 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 remained 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 FPTP 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.

The elections were also shaped by distinct shifts in voting behavior and political engagement, particularly following the 2025 protest movement. Voter preferences increasingly reflected individual-driven support rather than party-based loyalty, as seen in the rise of personalities whose political legitimacy was built through direct communication with citizens most notably via platforms like Facebook. This trend underscores the growing role of digital platforms in political mobilization, where candidates are able to construct narratives, form constituencies, and even announce governance decisions outside traditional institutional channels.

This evolving information environment has also contributed to the rise of perception-based political narratives, where electoral choices are often framed through simplified dichotomies such as “old corrupt actors” versus “new clean alternatives” rather than grounded policy positions or track records. While such narratives resonate strongly with public frustration, they risk oversimplifying complex political realities and overlooking the contributions of longstanding democratic actors.

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.