Nepal’s Voters Face Difficult Journeys to Cast Ballots

Nepal held elections where citizens faced significant challenges in exercising their right to vote, with some trekking for hours to reach polling centers. The country’s electoral law requires citizens to vote in their registered constituency, often their place of birth, creating hardship for those who have moved for work or other reasons.

Long Treks and Accessibility Issues

Reports from Nepalganj, a town in the Terai plains bordering India, highlighted the arduous journeys undertaken by voters. Sarita Roka recounted leaving her home the day before to reach the polling center, leaving her children at home. Debmaya Mahatara walked for five hours to cast her ballot, describing a difficult uphill trek that left her breathless. Sundar Budha also spent five hours walking to the polling station.

Disenfranchisement of Elderly and Remote Residents

The difficult access to polling centers resulted in some voters being unable to participate. Sundar Budha estimated that approximately half of the residents in his village were unable to vote due to the long distances and challenging terrain. Ramlal Pariyar called for authorities to establish polling booths in border areas to address this issue.

Restrictions on Voting Rights

Nepal’s electoral laws currently do not allow citizens living abroad to vote. This restriction, combined with the requirement to vote in one’s registered constituency, presents significant obstacles for many Nepalis seeking to participate in the democratic process.

Recent Political Context

As of November 4, 2025, some citizens expressed a desire for political change, with some feeling as though their views were being represented. Bimala Roka shared this sentiment on Facebook.

Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has pledged to “clean up politics” in Nepal, according to BBC News.

Local Election Candidates

The local level elections of Nepal 2079 featured candidates from numerous parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party. Ekantipur provides a comprehensive list of candidates and election results.