Kathmandu , Nepal;  19 Sept 2025– The government is preparing to amend election laws through an ordinance to allow 18-year-olds who are not yet included in the voter list, as well as Nepalis living abroad, to participate in elections.

According to Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, current laws on voter registration pose obstacles, and following the Supreme Court’s ruling, an ordinance is necessary to ensure voting rights for Nepalis overseas.

Minister Aryal held discussions with Election Commission’s acting Chief Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari and other officials, and stated that the ordinance is expected to be introduced within a day or two. He said, “To address the demands of the Gen Z generation, it is essential to amend the law to ensure their voting rights. Elections cannot be conducted excluding them.”

Under the current law, no voters can be added once the election date is announced. The commission had informed the Home Minister of this restriction, after which a proposal for legal amendment was prepared and will be enacted through the ordinance.

Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari said the commission will cooperate to ensure that all eligible voters’ rights are protected. While some positions in the commission remain vacant, Minister Aryal assured that necessary measures will be taken to address the situation.