NPI Urges Nepal to Implement i-Voting for Citizens Abroad by 2026
External Voting for Nepali
14th October 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) has formally submitted a nine-point policy recommendation to the Election Commission (EC), demanding the prompt implementation of External Voting arrangements for Nepali citizens abroad.
External Voting for Nepali
This initiative aims to uphold the fundamental democratic rights of the millions of Nepalis currently residing outside the country.
The policy brief, titled “External Voting Arrangement for Nepali Citizens Abroad: The Upcoming 2026 Election and Subsequent Potential Measures,” was presented to EC officials, including Commissioner Januka Tuladhar and Secretary Madhav Pant. NPI emphasizes that the time for political commitment is over, and the time for action is now.
A Mixed-Method Approach is Suggested
NPI proposes a mixed external voting model for Nepal, drawing lessons from international practices in over 115 countries, including Mexico and the Philippines. This proposed model incorporates three modalities:
- Direct voting at diplomatic missions (embassies/consulates).
- Postal voting (absentee ballots).
- Internet-based i-Voting (secure, remote electronic voting).
Dr. Khagendra Raj Dhakal, President of NPI, emphasized that millions of Nepali citizens abroad should not be deprived of their right to vote in national elections.
Their immense contribution to the national economy through remittances demands inclusion in the political process.
The Role of Digital Technology: i-Voting
The NPI highlights i-Voting as a pivotal, more inclusive solution compared to traditional e-Voting (electronic machines at physical centers). i-Voting allows a voter to securely cast their ballot via the internet from their location, sending it to a protected server.
This technology is considered the most suitable method for Nepali migrant workers in countries like Malaysia and the Gulf states, where effective postal services or embassy access might be challenging.
Conversely, NPI suggests postal voting might suit countries with robust systems, such as in Europe and North America.
Addressing Legal Mandates and Political Will
The push for External Voting aligns with Nepal’s foundational laws. Nepal’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to participate in elections.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court of Nepal has previously issued a directive order, instructing the government and the EC to make the necessary arrangements to ensure voting rights for Nepali citizens abroad. Despite these legal mandates and repeated political pledges, implementation remains stalled.
Dr. Dhakal pointed out that the government possesses an “unprecedented opportunity” to demonstrate the political will needed to turn this constitutional right into reality.
The recent Gen-Z-led movement further brought the issue of voting rights for the diaspora to the forefront of national discourse.
Long-Term Vision and System Integration
For immediate implementation, NPI suggests preparing separate legal provisions for External Voting.
Specifically, they propose granting legal recognition to i-Voting for digital voter registration and for casting ballots in the Proportional Representation electoral system.
Additionally, multi-day voting could maximize participation, accommodating the schedules of migrant workers.
Looking ahead, NPI advocates for institutionalizing i-Voting as the main electoral system for the medium and long term.
This technological shift would benefit not only Nepali citizens abroad but also internally displaced populations, such as temporary staff, students, and vulnerable communities within Nepal, who are often disenfranchised due to internal migration.
The comprehensive policy recommendation is a call to action to modernize Nepal’s democratic processes using digital technology.
The government must now act on this policy recommendation to ensure that the voices of all its citizens are heard in the upcoming 2026 elections and beyond.
For more: External Voting for Nepali
