Stakeholders call for disability-friendly polling stations in election review
Commissioner JB Rana noted that several polling centers were still located in unsuitable venues such as temples, prompting calls for a systematic reassessment and relocation of such sites.
KATHMANDU: Stakeholders have urged Election Commission to make polling stations fully accessible and disability-friendly, highlighting the need for long-term structural reforms in election infrastructure.
The suggestions were made during a nationwide election review conducted by the Commission following the completion of consultations across all seven provinces for the House of Representatives Election 2082 review.
Key issues raised during the review included polling station management, disability-accessible infrastructure, and ballot transportation logistics, according to Election Commissioner Sagun Shumsher JB Rana.
Commissioner JB Rana noted that several polling centers were still located in unsuitable venues such as temples, prompting calls for a systematic reassessment and relocation of such sites.
He stressed that making polling stations disability-friendly should be addressed as a long-term national policy priority rather than a temporary arrangement during elections.
He further emphasized that since schools, colleges, and government offices are commonly used as polling centers, accessibility features should be integrated during the construction phase itself. “Most suggestions focused on reviewing polling locations, including those set up in temples. This requires reassessment led by Chief District Officers in coordination with political parties. Disability-friendly infrastructure must be addressed at the policy level,” he said.
The Commission claimed that the overall election process was conducted successfully, economically, and transparently. It reported that no re-polling was required at any station and no election-related disputes were filed.
Officials also said the government is preparing to return nearly Rs 1.5 billion in unused election funds. They added that vote counting results were published faster compared to previous elections.
The review also highlighted the need to improve voter education through digital platforms, expanded volunteer networks, and longer awareness campaigns, with political parties urged to play a more active role.
The Commission concluded its provincial review after collecting feedback from political parties, security agencies, Chief District Officers, polling officers, volunteers, and election observers, with the final session completed in Gandaki Province.
