Results will be announced within 24 hours of ballot collection: Bhandari

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission is preparing to release the results of the House of Representatives’ direct elections within 24 hours of ballot collection.

Following the conclusion of voting, ballot boxes will be collected and counting will proceed swiftly, according to the Commission.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari stated that, as only the House elections are being held this time, the results will not take long to be declared.

While proportional representation results may take a day or two, the Commission is ready to announce direct election results within 24 hours of ballot collection.

Bhandari confirmed that ballots have been dispatched to areas outside the Kathmandu Valley, with delivery to all locations in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur expected by Tuesday evening.

Training for election officers will be completed by Tuesday night, after which staff will be deployed to respective polling stations.

The Commission has finalized all arrangements, from ballot printing to distribution, and has fully entered the implementation phase.

Regarding remote Himalayan regions, the Commission has yet to decide on temporary polling stations.

Taking into account geographical challenges and adverse weather, officials are prepared to ensure that no voter is deprived of their right to vote. Bhandari added, “If necessary, we will reach voters wherever they are to collect their ballots.”

The Acting Chief Commissioner also urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation on social media in the run-up to the election.

He warned political parties against engaging in prohibitive politics, emphasizing that fair competition is essential for electing accountable leadership.

He further advised voters not to follow false news online and to report or ignore such content.

Voting for the House of Representatives is scheduled on March 5, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.