Kathmandu, May 15: The Election Commission Nepal has proposed holding the 2027 local level and Provincial Assembly elections on the same date, saying the move could save the state more than Rs. 4 billion.
According to the Commission, the tenure of local-level representatives will end on May 13, 2027, while the term of Provincial Assemblies will expire on November 19 of the same year.
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said a special discussion was held with political parties on Tuesday to explore ways of making elections more economical, technology-friendly and systematic.
The discussion at the Commission’s office also focused on broader electoral reforms and consultations regarding elections for 74 vacant local-level posts and vacant Provincial Assembly seats left empty after elected representatives resigned to contest House of Representatives elections during previous polls.
Bhandari said the Commission had also recommended to the government that elections be held for a vacant National Assembly seat representing Sudurpashchim Province following the death of a member.
The Commission stated that preparations are underway to forward the draft “Election Management Act” to Parliament through the Ministry of Home Affairs to modernise elections and make them technology-friendly.
According to Bhandari, the draft law, prepared around three years ago, was discussed again with political parties after receiving suggestions from the Home Ministry.
“In 2027, local level and Provincial Assembly elections must be held. Traditionally, Provincial Assembly and House of Representatives elections were conducted on the same date,” Bhandari said.
“However, this time the terms of local governments and Provincial Assemblies expire on different dates. If the two elections can be held together, the state can save nearly Rs. 4 billion.”
He warned that holding separate elections would further increase costs and stressed the need for Parliament to pass the Election Management Bill during the upcoming budget session.
According to the Commission, the proposed law is necessary to introduce modern technology into the electoral process and ensure free, fair and fear-free elections.
Based on suggestions received from political parties, the Commission is now preparing to finalise the draft bill and forward it to the legislature through the Ministry of Home Affairs. #Nepal
