Kathmandu: More than one million new voters have been added to Nepal’s voter list ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections, indicating growing public engagement in the electoral process.

According to Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson of the Election Commission, a total of 1,016,754 new voters have been registered nationwide. This marks an increase of 5.65 percent compared to the previous election. He shared the update during an all-party meeting held at Singha Durbar on Monday.

While the final voter list will be published on Poush 15, preliminary data suggests encouraging participation. Bhattarai also informed that the number of political parties registered to contest the election has risen to 114, up from 87 parties in the 2079 BS election, pointing to a more competitive electoral landscape this time.

To ensure a cost-effective and well-managed election, the Commission has identified 51 types of materials required at polling stations. Emphasizing resource efficiency, it has decided not to procure additional ballot boxes or indelible ink, citing sufficient existing stock.

Of the required materials, 37 items will be procured at the district level, while only 14 essential items will be purchased centrally and distributed. Even for minor supplies such as stamps, stamp pads, ink, dot pens and thread, the Commission plans to procure only what is lacking, relying largely on existing reserves.

The Election Commission has already granted first-phase approval for election observers and is holding continuous consultations with the government and security agencies to ensure a peaceful, secure and fear-free election environment.

The noticeable rise in voter numbers and political party participation has heightened interest among both political actors and the general public in the elections scheduled for Falgun 21.