Proposed Election Commissioner Presents 5 Models for Overseas Nepali Voting

Kathmandu. Proposed Election Commissioner Guru Prasad Wagle has presented 5 models in the parliamentary hearing committee that can be used to involve Nepali citizens living abroad in the upcoming elections.

Presenting his action plan in the parliamentary hearing committee ongoing in Singh Durbar, Wagle discussed 5 major election models prevalent in various countries around the world.

These are the models presented by Wagle

• Ballot Box Based Model

Wagle has written in his action plan that voting will be conducted by establishing polling stations at Nepali embassies or designated diplomatic missions abroad and using physical ballot papers and ballot boxes. Wagle mentioned that this method is considered technically easy and reliable and is currently used by countries like Brazil, France, and Mexico.

• Postal Voting

Wagle's second option is to arrange for voters to receive ballot papers through the post and send them back through the same medium. Wagle believes this method will be effective in reaching scattered voters in many places at a low cost. Wagle mentioned that this model has been successful in countries like Australia, Canada, and Germany.

• Proxy Voting

In this method, voters living abroad appoint a person residing in Nepal to vote on their behalf. Wagle mentioned that this method is adopted under certain conditions in countries like the UK and Netherlands. However, Wagle warned of the risk of misuse.

• Internet Voting

Wagle has mentioned that this is the most modern and technology-friendly model. Voters can cast their votes securely through the internet from any corner of the world. Wagle's action plan states that Estonia, Switzerland, and the Philippines are practicing this, and for its feasibility in Nepal, a data center and technology with high security will be required.

• Mixed Model
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Wagle stated that the mixed model involves using two or more of the above methods simultaneously according to the convenience of the voters and geographical conditions. Wagle said that Australia and Denmark have adopted such flexible arrangements.

Proposed Commissioner Wagle has suggested moving forward in a 'phased' manner in the context of Nepal.