Kathmandu-Voting in Nepal’s House of Representatives election ended with strong turnout, the Election Commission said, with about 60 percent of eligible voters casting ballots.
Officials described the vote as peaceful nationwide. Compared with the number of voters currently in the country, the turnout is considered significant.
The election came after last September’s Gen Z protests toppled the government led by KP Oli, leading to the dissolution of parliament. An interim government formed afterward oversaw the polls despite a challenging environment.
The administration managed to include political forces that had previously opposed holding the election. Until a month ago, many doubted that the government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki could deliver on its mandate to conduct the vote.
Security concerns were high. Prisoners released during the protests remained at large, looted weapons were unaccounted for, and the security administration faced both operational and psychological strain. Parties including the CPN-UML had said the conditions were not conducive to elections.
Prime Minister Karki and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal worked to build trust among these groups, bringing divergent ideological factions into the electoral process.
Budget constraints, a recurring challenge in Nepalis elections, were handled through an unusual but effective approach. The government said it would not seek foreign financial assistance beyond neighboring countries and arranged more than 30 billion rupees for the polls from the national budget.
Finance Minister Rameshwar Khanal closed loopholes, froze allocations earmarked for future liabilities, and ensured funds were available without controversy.
Despite multiple challenges, the Karki-led government executed the election smoothly, projecting calm and capable leadership.
