Voter Education & FAQ

When does the voting time start and close?

Voting usually starts at 7:00 AM in the morning and officially closes at 5:00 PM in the evening on Election Day.

What happens if I cross the 5:00 PM deadline?

If you have already entered the polling center premises or are waiting in the queue before exactly 5:00 PM, you will be allowed to cast your vote even if the processing crosses the closing time. The gates, however, will be shut at 5:00 PM.

Can I take my mobile phone or camera inside the voting booth?

No. Taking photographs of the ballot paper or taking mobile phones, cameras, or any electronic recording devices inside the voting booth is strictly prohibited. You must leave such items outside or hand them to the designated personnel before casting your vote.

Is there a priority line for the elderly, disabled, or pregnant women?

Yes. The Election Commission ensures a priority queuing system. Elderly people, pregnant women, new mothers, people with disabilities, and sick individuals do not need to wait in the regular line. Instead, they are given immediate priority to cast their vote.

How do I check if my name is on the final voter list?

You can easily verify your name online through the official website of the Election Commission (election.gov.np) under the 'Voter Roll' section.

There is a minor spelling mistake in my Voter ID. What should I do?

Minor typographical errors (like a spelling mistake in your name or age discrepancy) on the printed Voter ID will not disqualify you from voting, provided that your identity can be definitively proven and matched with the final biometric voter list using your Citizenship Certificate or other valid proofs.

Can I vote from outside my registered district?

Under the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system, you must cast your vote at the specific polling center where you are registered. However, government officials, security personnel, and election staff deployed on duty may be allowed to vote through proportional representation under temporary voter list provisions, as decided by the commission.

Where and how can we report a violation of the election code of conduct?

If anyone is found violating the election code of conduct, any person can file a complaint to the following authorities:

Complaints can be verbal, written, or via social/electronic media. Evidence must be attached if available.

Are transportation services allowed on election day?

On election day, general public transportation is halted. Only authorized vehicles with a pass issued by the District Administration Office or the Election Commission, emergency service vehicles (ambulances, fire engines), and diplomatic vehicles are allowed to run. International and national flights operate normally, but tourists require a special pass obtained 2 days prior to travel by road.

Can political parties distribute food or transport voters to the polling booth?

No, this is a severe violation of the Code of Conduct. It is illegal to provide transportation to voters or distribute cash, meals, allowances, clothes, or any other items to influence voters.

How many votes can I cast?

In Nepal's federal and provincial election system, you typically receive TWO ballot papers — one for the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) direct candidate election, and one for the Proportional Representation (PR) party vote. In the local level elections, you may receive multiple ballot papers for Mayor/Chairman, Deputy Mayor/Vice-Chairman, and Ward Committee. Each ballot paper counts as one vote for that specific category.

What if I accidentally mark the wrong candidate on the ballot?

Once you have stamped the ballot paper, you cannot change or take it back. The stamp is final. This is why you must carefully look at all the candidate symbols before stamping. If you have not yet dropped it in the ballot box, you may inform the polling officer immediately; there are limited provisions in exceptional cases, but generally the ballot is considered cast.

I cannot read. Can someone help me inside the voting booth?

Yes. If you are illiterate, visually impaired, or physically unable to vote on your own, you may bring ONE trusted person of your choice into the voting booth to assist you. However, that person cannot be a candidate, a polling agent, or an election official. This right is protected by election law.

After stamping, there is ink on my finger. Is that normal?

Yes, this is mandatory. After you cast your vote, the polling officer will apply an indelible (permanent) ink mark on your left index finger (usually). This is done to prevent any person from voting more than once. The ink remains for many days and cannot be easily washed off.

Can I vote on behalf of my family member?

Absolutely not. Voting on behalf of another person is illegal and constitutes electoral fraud. Each eligible voter must appear in person at the polling center and cast their own vote. No proxy voting is allowed under Nepali election law.

My family member is sick and cannot go to the polling station. Can they still vote?

Unfortunately, under regular general elections, there is no provision for home voting or postal voting for ordinary citizens. However, election personnel on duty, security forces, and in some special elections, provisions may be made. If the person is physically unable to reach the booth but is present at the polling center premises, election officials can provide assistance.

Is my vote truly secret? Can polling officers or party agents see who I voted for?

Yes, your vote is completely secret. The voting booth is private and screened. No one — including polling officers, party agents, or observers — is allowed inside while you vote. You are not required to tell anyone who you voted for. Pressuring someone to reveal their vote is a punishable violation.

Someone is threatening me to vote for a specific party. What should I do?

Vote buying, coercion, and intimidation are serious criminal offences under election law. You should immediately report this to the nearest police station, the District Election Office, or the Election Commission helpline. You may also report anonymously if you are afraid of retaliation.

Can I wear party symbols or party colours to the polling station?

No. Wearing, displaying, or carrying any political party symbols, insignia, flags, or party-coloured clothes within the vicinity of the polling station is strictly prohibited. This includes wearing party caps, badges, scarves, or carrying flags. Violators may be asked to leave and can face penalties.

I just turned 18. How do I register as a new voter?

To register as a new voter, visit your local ward office or District Election Office with your Citizenship Certificate or National ID Card. You can also register online through the Election Commission's voter registration portal at voterregistration.election.gov.np. Registration must be done before the commission's cut-off date announced prior to the election.

I have moved to a new address. How do I update my voter registration?

You can update your address by visiting the nearest District Election Office or Ward Office with proof of your new residence (e.g., updated citizenship, land registration, or utility bill). You can also make correction requests through the Election Commission's portal. Address changes must be submitted before the voter roll is finalised.

Can a Non-Resident Nepali (NRN) living abroad vote?

As of the last general election, there was no provision for Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) to vote from abroad. To vote, an NRN must return to Nepal and vote at the polling center where they are registered. However, the Election Commission is exploring provisions for absentee voting in future elections.