National ID Holders Can Now Register to Vote Online

The voter registration process in Nepal is set to become more accessible and efficient with the launch of a new system allowing citizens holding a National Identity Card (NID) to register online.

The government rolled out the system on Thursday, November 13 — just days before the scheduled closure of the ongoing voter registration drive. The Election Commission (EC) had resumed voter registration in late September, with the process set to continue until Sunday, November 16.

The move follows President Ramchandra Paudel’s dissolution of the House of Representatives on September 12 and the announcement of fresh elections for March 5, 2026. The decision came on the recommendation of caretaker Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who assumed office that same evening after the Gen Z-led protests toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led government on September 9. 

Under existing provisions, Nepali citizens aged 16 or above with a citizenship certificate can register in the voter list, though only those aged 18 and above are eligible to vote.

Previously, applicants were required to pre-register online through the EC’s website (www.election.gov.np) and then visit district or provincial election offices to provide biometric details. With the new system, citizens possessing NIDs will no longer need to visit EC offices in person, as biometric verification will be completed digitally via the national ID database.

 

अब राष्ट्रिय परिचयपत्रमार्फत मतदाता परिचयपत्र अनलाइनमा लिन सकिने भएको छ। आफ्नो विवरण आफैँ भरी मतदाता नामावलीमा दर्ता हुन सकिन्छ। pic.twitter.com/hXkm3pKqNc

— Prime Minister Sushila Karki (@pmsushilakarki) November 13, 2025

In a social media post, Prime Minister Karki said the new system enables users to complete registration in four steps through the EC’s official website. Applicants must first complete a pre-registration form using their national ID details. Then, the process to link the National ID and the voter identification card begins.

Before final submission, applicants can review their information for errors and select their preferred polling location. Those who have relocated or changed addresses after marriage can upload supporting documents to update their polling station.

The initiative aims to ensure wider voter inclusion amid concerns that many eligible citizens could be left out under the current registration process and limited timeframe.