Government mulls ordinance to clear legal hurdles to allow Nepalis abroad to vote
Summary
The Nepali government plans to issue an ordinance to overcome legal barriers allowing Nepalis abroad to vote, though the Election Commission has only three months to prepare for upcoming elections.
Key Points
- The Nepali government is preparing an ordinance to enable diaspora voting despite limited time before elections.
- The Election Commission asserts readiness to hold elections on March 5 and highlights the need for government support for diaspora voting.
- Allowing Nepali migrants abroad to vote requires reopening voter registration and diplomatic efforts, which is challenging given the timeline.
- The Supreme Court directed the government in 2017 to ensure voting rights for Nepalis abroad, but implementation remains pending.