Kathmandu: The Election Commission has finalized a total of 10,967 polling stations across the country for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for February 21, adding 168 new stations to better facilitate voters.

Previously, there were 10,892 polling stations. However, 93 polling stations that were either unused or deemed inconvenient have been cancelled following a nationwide review. The Commission said the revision aims to ensure easier access and a smoother voting experience for the general public.

According to the Commission, polling stations that were difficult for voters to reach or no longer in use have been relocated to more convenient locations. During the review process, errors related to polling station names and addresses will also be corrected. Where necessary, some voters—or entire voter groups—will be reassigned to more suitable polling stations.

The Commission had earlier issued a public notice inviting objections in cases where voters’ names were shifted or omitted. Voters were also given the option to apply for transferring their names from one polling station to another within the same ward.

Meanwhile, following the promulgation of the Election of Members of the House of Representatives (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2082, the process of determining the percentage of inclusive groups under the proportional representation system has become clearer for the upcoming elections.

President Ram Chandra Poudel issued the ordinance on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers in accordance with Article 114(1) of the Constitution. The amendment updates Schedule 1 of the Election of Members of the House of Representatives Act, 2074 BS, aligning inclusive group percentages—Dalit, Indigenous Peoples, Khas Arya, Madhesi, Tharu and Muslim—with the population data of the National Census 2078 BS, replacing the earlier 2068 BS census figures.

Political parties will now be required to submit their closed lists for proportional representation based on the updated census data. According to Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, parties that have applied for the proportional system were given a deadline from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on December 13 and 14 to complete the required procedures.