Kathmandu: The Nepal Policy Institute (NPI) has submitted a nine-point policy recommendation to the Election Commission, Nepal (ECN), outlining practical steps to enable Nepali citizens living abroad to participate in the 2026 national elections.
The policy brief proposes a hybrid model of external voting, drawing on international experience and technology-driven solutions. It provides guidance on voter registration, identity verification, technology selection, and country-specific implementation models.
NPI Chair Dr. Khagendra Raj Dhakal said, “Considering Nepal’s migration patterns and socio-economic realities, the Philippines and Mexico offer tested pathways that Nepal can adapt quickly to ensure participation of overseas citizens as early as 2026.”
The brief, titled “External Voting for Nepali Citizens Abroad: Options for the 2026 Election and Beyond,” was presented to the Election Commission on October 8, followed by discussions with Election Commissioner Dr. Janaki Tuladhar, ECN Secretary Mahadev Panth, and other officials.
NPI, a global non-profit policy think tank supported by the Nepali diaspora, has been collaborating with the Election Commission since 2022 to provide data-driven policy research and recommendations. The policy brief has also been shared with the Ministries of Home and Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
