Kathmandu — President Ram Chandra Paudel has issued an ordinance amending provisions of the Voter List Act to allow additional voter registration ahead of the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 (Falgun 21).

The ordinance was recommended by the government after Section 4 of the existing law barred newly eligible Gen-Z youth from registering once the election date had been announced. The amendment now permits voter registration within a period specified by the Election Commission, even after the election date has been declared.

The government argued that the restriction would disenfranchise thousands of young people who recently became eligible to vote. Following the cabinet’s recommendation, the ordinance was forwarded today and issued by the President.

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal had earlier announced that the government would ensure a one-time chance for eligible but unregistered citizens to be added to the voter roll. He also confirmed that a study team has been formed to begin the process of granting voting rights to Nepalese living abroad.

Under the new ordinance, the Election Commission will set specific dates for additional voter registration. Once completed, the commission will prepare the election timetable and move forward with related activities.