EC begins voter education campaign for March 5 HoR election

February 16, Kathmandu: The Election Commission has launched a nationwide voter education programme targeting the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.

The campaign began simultaneously across the country on Monday and will run throughout February, the Commission said.

The initiative comes amid concerns over rising invalid votes in recent elections. According to the Commission, the highest percentage of invalid votes since 1991 was recorded in 2022 elections at 5.19 per cent, while the lowest was 2.75 per cent in 1999.

The voter education programme will be conducted in all 6,743 wards of the country’s 753 local levels. One female volunteer has been mobilized in each ward to conduct door-to-door outreach using sample ballot papers to explain the voting process and the importance of participation.

Election Commissioner Dr. Janaki Kumari Tuladhar said the programme aims to maximise voter turnout and reduce invalid ballots by informing citizens about proper voting procedures.

The Commission said it is using print, radio, television, social media and community-based outreach to reach voters nationwide. Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai stated that digital platforms, including the Commission’s website, Facebook, and TikTok, are also being utilised to disseminate information.

The Commission has urged provincial and local governments, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to support the campaign.