What happened
The Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) has started dispatching ballot boxes from its central warehouse in Kathmandu to districts across the country ahead of the 5 March 2026 House of Representatives election. Reports quoting ECN officials say ballot boxes are being counted, sealed and transported to remote districts, while printing of ballot papers for both first-past-the-post (FPTP) and proportional representation (PR) systems has been accelerated.
Why it matters
Dispatching ballot boxes to Himalayan and hill districts typically takes several days due to limited road access and weather constraints. Starting distribution early reduces the risk of last-minute logistical bottlenecks and helps ensure that every polling centre receives the required materials on time. The move signals that preparations have entered the final implementation phase, with less than a month remaining before voting day.
Key details
- Ballot boxes are being sent in batches, with security coordination between ECN, Nepal Police and local administrations.
- The same consignments often include non-sensitive materials such as seals and forms; sensitive materials like ballot papers are usually transported under stricter security protocols.
- ECN officials say contingency stocks are being kept in regional hubs in case of damage or unexpected needs in specific polling centres.
Implications for voters
For voters in remote areas, timely arrival of ballot boxes and related materials is a precondition for polling centres to open as scheduled on 5 March. The current pace of dispatch will be one of the indicators of whether ECN’s stated goal of a "free, fair and fearless" election is supported by adequate logistical readiness.