Supreme Court mandate versus time pressure
The issue of voting rights for Nepalis living abroad has resurfaced ahead of the 2026 election. The government has explored an ordinance to address legal barriers and has consulted with the Election Commission and policy institutes on possible models, including embassy-based voting and limited forms of remote voting.
These efforts are guided in part by a past Supreme Court ruling instructing authorities to make voting arrangements for citizens abroad who retain Nepali citizenship and voter registration. However, officials note that voter registration for the March 5 polls has already closed, and revisiting it now would require both legal changes and significant operational work.
Influence without a ballot
Election Commission officials and experts say that even if full diaspora voting is not feasible this cycle, planning for future elections should continue. They emphasise that electoral systems that work for high-mobility populations in countries like the Philippines and Mexico could be adapted to Nepal over time.
Analysts also point out that migrants already exert indirect influence by sending remittances and advising family members on political choices. This makes the diaspora an important, largely anti-incumbent opinion force even without a direct vote. For the March 5 election, however, overseas Nepalis are being urged to focus on sharing reliable information with relatives at home and to avoid amplifying unverified rumours across borders.