Kathmandu: Nepal has opened its voter list for 16-year-olds ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, following a recent amendment to the Voter Roll Act, 2016. However, those under 18 will not be eligible to cast votes in the upcoming polls.
The change comes after President Ram Chandra Paudel issued an ordinance to amend the law, following a recommendation from the Council of Ministers. The amendment allows young citizens who recently received their citizenship certificates to register and have their details updated in the voter list, addressing previous restrictions that prevented new voters from registering once an election date was announced.
Under the Election Commission’s schedule, voter registration for newly eligible citizens will reopen until November 16. Registration is available at provincial and district election offices from 8 am to 6 pm on working days, and applicants can also pre-register online to provide biometric information in advance, simplifying the process.
The update also allows citizens who have changed residence or need to correct errors in the existing voter records to make necessary adjustments during this period.
While 16-year-olds cannot vote in the upcoming elections, the amendment ensures their inclusion in the voter list, enabling them to participate in future elections once they turn 18. This initiative aims to engage young citizens in the democratic process from an early stage, strengthening electoral participation in Nepal.