Election Commission Prepares to Announce Direct Election Results Within 24 Hours of Ballot Collection

Kathmandu. The Election Commission is preparing to announce the results of the House of Representatives direct elections within 24 hours of the ballot boxes being collected. The Commission has planned to expedite the counting process immediately after voting concludes by collecting the ballot boxes.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ramprasad Bhandari stated that since only the House of Representatives election is being held, the results will not take long this time. Clarifying the timeline for the results, Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari mentioned that while the proportional representation results might take one or two days, the Commission is preparing to announce the direct election results within 24 hours of ballot box collection.

He informed that the work of sending ballot papers outside the valley has been completed, and efforts are underway to deliver them to some locations in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur by Tuesday evening. He also stated that the training for the voting officers will be completed by Tuesday evening, after which they will receive necessary materials and be deployed to their respective polling centers. He confirmed that the Commission has completed all necessary management tasks for the election preparations and has fully entered the implementation phase.

He further stated that the complex management work, from printing to transportation of ballot papers, has been completed, and the deployment of staff to their work areas has begun. He clarified that the Commission has not yet reached a decision regarding the determination of temporary polling stations in the mountainous regions. Taking into account geographical remoteness and adverse weather conditions, the Commission is prepared to make an immediate decision after studying the weather to ensure voters are not deprived of exercising their right to vote.

He said, 'If such a situation arises, the Commission will decide to collect votes right where the voters are located.' Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari urged the public not to spread misleading information through social media on the eve of the election.

He also warned political parties against practicing politics of exclusion. He said, 'No one is allowed to practice politics of exclusion against anyone else. There must be fair competition. Only through fair competition is truly dedicated leadership selected.'

He also urged voters to immediately remove false news appearing on social media and not to follow it. The schedule for voting for the House of Representatives election is from 7 AM to 5 PM on the upcoming 21st.