KATHMANDU, Dec 7: Around 60 Nepali student groups studying in universities across the globe have called on the government to grant voting rights to Nepalis living abroad ahead of the upcoming elections.
The petition, supported by students in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, China, Japan, India, Bangladesh, Hong Kong and France, outlines several key demands addressed to the Prime Minister, President and Chief Election Commissioner.
The groups have called for the introduction of a digital voting system using national ID or passport-based verification, self-declaration of citizenship and digital receipts with verification. They have also urged the government to ensure full voting rights in both direct and proportional elections and demanded immediate implementation, with a work plan to be made public within a month.
Citing recommendations from the Policy Research Institute and the Nepal Policy Institute, the students said that i-voting is the most effective and secure method for external voting and can be integrated with the existing national ID system.
Expressing concern over delays, the students highlighted that three months have passed since the interim government committed to enabling the participation of overseas citizens. They urged the Election Commission to ensure the necessary infrastructure for all Nepali citizens abroad, including migrant workers and students, and called on the government to fill key positions in the Commission with competent and impartial personnel.
The student groups also offered technical assistance, emphasising that enabling expatriate voting is essential for building a brighter future for Nepal.
Voting Rights for NRNs
