Election Process

Election is necessary to choose a representative by the people in the federal, state and local levels of the government. Election is a democratic process in which the eligible citizens (18 years of age) of a country choose a person or member or representative for national and local level. Nepal holds election forthe posts of President, Vice President, State Representatives, and Local Level Representatives. The election is conducted by the Election Commission.

Electoral Roll / Electoral Register

It is the name of list of the people who have the right to vote in the election. The Election Commission prepares it every year including the name of eligible voters who are above 18 years of age as started by the commission.

Voters ID Card

This is necessary for any voter to get teh right to vote. This contains the name,  address, identification number and photo of the voter.

Ballot Paper

A piece of paper prepared by Election Commission containing names or symbols of candidates for an election is called Ballot paper.

Qualifications of the Candidates

Certain age requirements  must be fulfilled to be a candidate of any level of the government.

1. President/Vice President - 45 years of age.
2. Federal Representative - 25 years for federal and 35 for national government.
3. State Council Representative - 25 years of age.
4. Village Committee Mayor, Vice Mayor, Members - 21 years of age.

Federal Represenatative Qualifications:

1. Should be a citizen of Nepal.
2. Should not be punished for any criminal offense.
3. Should not be disqualified by the law of Nepal.
4. Should not hold any public post paid from the state treasure.

Election Bodies

According to the present constitution, there are three bodies of election and they are:

A. Election Commission:

This is the permanent body of election lies in the center, which consists of Chief Election Commissioner and other commissioners. It conducts all types of election fairly and impartially. During the election, it appoints the election officers in every election constituency.

After the declaration of the date of election, Election Commission appoints the election officers. The persons who are the government job holders can be appointed as the election officers.

C. Polling Officers:

They are appointed by the election officers and from among the civil servants or government employees during the election.

Functions:

1. To make necessary arrangements in polling and sub-polling centers.
2. To arrange security personals.
3. To begin the election in scheduled time with legal process.
4. To postpone or cancel the election if necessary.

Types of election

i. General election

ii. Local election

iii. Referendum

iv. Mid-term election

v. By-election

i. General election:

The election in which representatives for national level or the parliament are elected is known as general election. It is held after end of every 5 or 6 years.

ii. Local election:

The election where the representatives of local bodies like DDC, VDC, municipalities, etc. are elected is known as local election.

iii. Referendum:

The process of deciding any important issue by the popular participation of citizens during voting is called referendum. In this process, the citizens have to choose one out of two options.

iv. Mid-term election:

The election which takes place before the end of the set tenure because of the dismissal of the members of legislative body is known as mid -term election.

v. By election:

The re-election that is conducted because of death or resignation of the legislative or local members is known as by election.