Kathmandu, Jan 16: The Election Commission (EC) has clearly outlined the duties, responsibilities, and authority of returning officers for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5.
According to the EC-issued HoR Member Voting Directive, 2082 BS, returning officers, upon appointment, are required to participate in election-related training programs and receive election materials after due verification. The directive also provides that election officers shall collect voter identity card–related materials and polling center supplies following verification procedures.
The directive states that returning officers must reach their designated polling centers in advance and coordinate with assistant returning officers, assigned staff, and security personnel. They are also responsible for setting up polling centers at the designated locations. In the event that voting cannot be conducted at the assigned center due to security concerns, geographical challenges, or other valid reasons, an alternative polling center must be established immediately and the matter promptly reported to the chief election officer.
Voter identity cards are to be distributed prior to polling day. The returning officer must assign duties to staff and volunteers deployed at polling centers and ensure their active engagement in the voting process.
Before issuing ballot papers, the directive mandates that signatures be affixed to the ballots. Returning officers are required to conduct the polling process efficiently, maintain vigilance, monitor polling activities, and regularly update the election officer on developments throughout polling day.
On the day of voting, the returning officer must brief mobile teams, observers, journalists, facilitators, and security personnel visiting the polling center on the voting situation. Ensuring strict adherence to the election code of conduct, preventing illegal activities, and maintaining order at polling stations are also among their core responsibilities.
Additionally, returning officers must properly document ballot boxes and other election materials both before and after voting, and submit them securely to the election officer. The directive further authorizes returning officers to exercise powers conferred under the Election (Offenses and Punishment) Act, 2073 BS, with the responsibility to ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and independent manner. #nepal #election
