Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The Election Commission Nepal has recommended that the government declare three public holidays during the upcoming parliamentary elections, potentially creating an extended week-long break across the country.
The commission formally wrote to the government on Sunday proposing public holidays on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd of Falgun, according to commission spokesperson and joint secretary Narayan Prasad Bhattarai.
Voting for the House of Representatives election is scheduled for Falgun 21. A final decision on the holiday declaration will be taken by the Cabinet.
Week-Long Break Likely if Approved
If the Cabinet endorses the commission’s recommendation, the election period could effectively turn into a week-long holiday stretch.
This year, Holi falls on Falgun 18 in the hills and Falgun 19 in the Tarai. The proposed election holidays would follow immediately afterward, while Falgun 23 is already a Saturday public holiday. Falgun 24 also coincides with International Women’s Day, which is observed as a public holiday.
With these overlapping events, the country could see nearly a full week of disrupted regular work and administrative activity during the election period.
Aim: Facilitate Voting and Logistics
Election authorities say the recommendation is intended to ensure smooth polling, voter mobility, and security coordination across the country. Public holidays during elections are commonly used in Nepal to ease travel, allow voters to return to home districts, and reduce pressure on transport and public services.
The government is yet to formally respond to the recommendation, and the Cabinet decision is expected in the coming days.
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