As we prepare for Nepal’s upcoming election on March 5, 2026 (21 Falgun 2082 BS), the nation is gearing up for a significant democratic exercise to select the government for the next five years. For many Nepali citizens, especially the younger generation and first-time voters, the voting process can seem complicated.
The Big Picture: What Are We Voting For?
While Nepal holds elections for local and provincial governments at different times, this specific election is for the Federal level, the national government that oversees the entire country. When you visit the polling station, you are voting to fill 275 seats in the House of Representatives, which is the lower house of the Federal Parliament.
The First Race: Choosing Your Local Representative (FPTP) in Nepal’s Upcoming Election
The first of these races is known as the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system. For this specific part of Nepal’s upcoming election, the country is divided into 165 election constituencies based on population and geographical convenience. In this system, voters in each of these geographical areas choose one candidate to represent them directly.
In this system, you vote for a specific person. Different candidates will compete to represent your specific local area. When the votes are counted, the rule is simple: the candidate who gets the highest number of votes wins the seat. It does not matter if they win by one vote or ten thousand votes, the individual with the most votes becomes the Member of Parliament (MP) for your constituency. This direct election fills 165 of the total 275 seats in the House.
The Second Race: Voting for a Party (Proportional Representation)
The second method is called the Proportional Representation (PR) system, which is used to elect the remaining 110 members. This part of Nepal’s upcoming election treats the entire country of Nepal as one single election constituency.
In this system, you do not vote for a specific person on the ballot; instead, you vote for a political party. Once all the votes are counted, these 110 seats are divided among the parties based on the percentage of total votes they received. However, you are not voting blindly. You can still have a general idea of who you are electing because all political parties are required to submit a “Closed List” of candidates before the election. These nominees from the pre-announced list will become Members of Parliament (MPs) if their party wins enough votes, ensuring transparency about who your vote is supporting.
FPTP vs. PR
| First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) | Proportional Representation (PR) |
|---|---|
| Voters choose a specific person to represent their local constituency. | Voters choose a political party they wish to support. |
| The candidate who receives the most votes in that specific area wins the seat. | Seats are shared among parties based on the total percentage of votes they receive nationwide. |
| Focuses on local accountability and direct representation. | Focuses on the collective strength and ideological platform of a party. |
You might wonder why Nepal uses two different systems. The Constitution includes the Proportional Representation system to ensure inclusion. While local races (FPTP) are often about individual popularity, the PR system ensures marginalised communities have a voice in parliament.
For the 110 PR seats, political parties must submit a “Closed List” of candidates. They cannot just pick anyone; they are legally required to select candidates who represent Nepal’s diversity. This list must include women, Dalits, Indigenous nationalities (Aadibasi Janajati), Khas Arya, Madhesis, Tharus, Muslims, and people from backward regions. Additionally, parties must ensure representation for persons with disabilities.
Furthermore, the Constitution contains a strict provision on gender equality. It mandates that at least one-third (33%) of the total members in the Federal Parliament from each party must be women. If a party fails to elect enough women in the direct local races, it must compensate by electing more women through the Proportional Representation system. The outcome of these elections directly impacts the selection of the Prime Minister.
Who Can Vote?
Participating in this process is a constitutional right for eligible citizens. To vote in Nepal’s upcoming election on March 5, 2026 (21 Falgun 2082), you must be a citizen of Nepal. Age is also a key factor; you must be at least 18 years old by the date of the election. However, being old enough is not sufficient; your name must be registered on the voter list, with the registration deadline on September 12, 2025 (27 Bhadra 2082). Additionally, it is important to note that out-of-country voting is not yet in place. Since the Election Commission arranges logistics for nationwide polling booths within Nepal, you must be physically present in the country to cast your ballot.
By understanding this dual system where voters engage in two separate voting processes on Election Day, you, as a voter, can see that you have two distinct powers: the power to choose a local leader who looks after your community, and the power to strengthen a political party that is in line with your values on a national level. This combination aims to create a government that is both locally accountable and nationally representative.
Conclusion
As the election on March 5, 2026, approaches, the voting process serves as more than just a selection of officials; it is the constitutional method for citizens to determine the composition of the federal government and the broader direction of national governance. By combining the direct choice of local leaders (FPTP) with the wider representation of political parties (PR), the Constitution of Nepal ensures that every voice, from the mountains to the Terai, has a place in the Federal Parliament.
This election is also expected to be a turning point for the younger generation. As the first major election that will be substantially shaped by “Gen-Z” voters, there is a growing demand for transparency, educational standards for candidates, and greater representation for youth and women. By casting your vote, you are not only exercising a constitutional right but also fulfilling a duty to help build a prosperous, inclusive, and democratic Nepal.
