Banks Open For Falgun 21st Polls: NRB Falgun 21st Election Banking Update
4th March 2026, Kathmandu
In a significant move to support the democratic process, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed all banks and financial institutions to remain partially operational during the public holidays declared for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections.
Banks Open For Falgun 21st Polls
With the general election scheduled for Falgun 21 (March 5, 2026), the Government of Nepal had previously announced a three-day public holiday to facilitate voting.
However, to ensure that financial logistics for candidates, political parties, and government agencies remain uninterrupted, the central bank has mandated that essential banking services continue.
Essential Banking Services During Election Holidays
According to the circular issued by the Payment Systems Department of NRB, banks are required to provide limited but critical services. The focus is primarily on:
Election Expenditure Management: Facilitating the operation of bank accounts for political parties and individual candidates for their election campaigning.
Government Transactions: Ensuring that agency banks handling government revenue and payments remain functional.
Fund Deposits and Payments: Keeping branches open specifically for the deposit and withdrawal of funds necessary for election-related logistics.
Strategic Coordination with the Election Commission
The Election Commission of Nepal requested this arrangement to prevent any financial bottlenecks that could hinder the smooth conduct of the polls.
Advertisement
As candidates are required to track and report their election expenses through formal banking channels, having these branches open is vital for transparency and compliance with the election code of conduct.
“To make the House of Representatives election more accessible and systematic, we have coordinated with the central bank to ensure that financial institutions provide necessary services even during the holiday period,” stated a spokesperson for the Election Commission.
Impact on Nepalese Consumers
While general retail banking (such as personal loan processing or new account openings) may be limited, Nepalese citizens and election stakeholders can expect the following:
Limited Branch Openings: Not all branches will be open. Banks will designate specific “Agency Branches” and main offices to handle the workload.
Digital Banking Continuity: Mobile banking, ATMs, and internet banking services will remain operational 24/7.
Focus on Election Hubs: Branches located near District Election Offices and major commercial hubs are more likely to be operational.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 General Election
As the nation prepares for the polls on Phagun 21, this directive ensures that the financial backbone of the country supports the transition. Following the election, the banking sector is expected to return to full-scale operations after the conclusion of the designated holiday period.
For more: Banks Open For Falgun 21st Polls
