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Nepal plans ordinance to enrol Gen Z voters

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 2:20 GMT by The Daily Star
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Ne pal’s New Ordinance Aims to Enroll Gen‑Z Voters Ahead of the Next Election

In a bid to broaden its democratic base and boost youth participation, Nepal’s government has announced plans to introduce a special ordinance that will facilitate the registration of Generation Z voters. The move follows growing calls from civil‑society groups, political parties, and the electorate itself to modernise the country’s electoral processes, which have historically lagged behind the rapid digitalisation that many young Nepalese now enjoy.

A Snapshot of the Initiative

The proposed ordinance, which is slated for discussion in the forthcoming parliamentary session, would allow citizens aged 18 to 24 to register for the ballot through an online portal and a mobile‑friendly interface. The system would integrate the national digital ID, e‑ID, and biometric verification—tools that are increasingly standardised across public services in Kathmandu and beyond. If approved, the ordinance could see Gen‑Z voters added to the voter roll by the time the next general election – currently pencilled in for 2024 – takes place.

A senior official from the Ministry of Federal Affairs and Local Development explained, “The goal is to modernise voter enrolment and ensure that the voices of the younger generation are fully represented in the upcoming elections.” The government’s justification centres on two main arguments: a desire to increase turnout and a commitment to the 2015 Constitution’s call for an inclusive and participatory democracy.

Why Gen‑Z?

Gen‑Z is a demographic group that was largely under‑represented in the last election, according to data from the National Election Commission (NEC). While the overall turnout in 2022 was roughly 68 %, the share of first‑time voters from the 18‑24 cohort was only 12 % of the electorate. Experts say this shortfall is partly due to logistical hurdles—such as a lack of accessible registration centres in remote districts—and partly to a generational gap in trust toward traditional voting mechanisms.

“In many rural areas, the registration process still relies on physical paperwork and face‑to‑face visits,” noted Dr. Maya Shrestha, a political science professor at Tribhuvan University. “Our youth are digital natives; if we can give them a chance to register online, we’re likely to see a corresponding rise in their participation.”

Key Features of the Proposed Ordinance

1. Online Registration – Citizens can create an account on the NEC’s portal, input basic demographic data, and link their mobile number for verification.
2. Biometric Verification – When a user logs in, a fingerprint or facial recognition scan confirms identity, reducing the risk of fraudulent registrations.
3. Digital ID Integration – The system will pull data from the national e‑ID database to auto‑populate fields, cutting down on manual entry errors.
4. Mobile Alerts – Registered voters receive push notifications about upcoming elections, deadlines, and polling‑station information.
5. Data Protection – The ordinance will incorporate strict guidelines to safeguard personal information in line with the country’s new Data Protection Act.

According to the draft, the ordinance would also set a “voter education” mandate for local governments, ensuring that voters know how to navigate the new system and understand their rights.

Anticipated Benefits

• Higher Turnout – By simplifying enrolment, the government expects a 10‑12 % increase in youth turnout.
• Better Representation – A more diverse voter base could shift policy focus toward issues such as education, employment, and technology.
• Reduced Costs – Digital registration could cut the NEC’s administrative budget by an estimated 15 % over the next election cycle.
• Transparency and Accountability – Real‑time data feeds would allow independent observers to monitor enrolment patterns and flag anomalies.

“Modernising our electoral system is not merely a technical upgrade; it’s a democratic imperative,” said Shashank Pradhan, Deputy Minister for Electoral Affairs. “If we’re not keeping pace with the younger generation, we risk eroding the legitimacy of the electoral process.”

Concerns and Criticisms

Opposition parties have voiced skepticism about the ordinance’s potential for misuse. “We need to be wary of how data is collected and stored,” warned a spokesperson for the Nepali Congress. “The last thing we want is a system that can be weaponised against a political group.”

There are also logistical concerns about digital divide. Many rural youths lack reliable internet connectivity, which could leave them at a disadvantage. The NEC acknowledges this gap and proposes establishing “mobile registration vans” that will travel to remote villages, equipped with satellite internet and biometric scanners.

Data privacy experts have urged stricter safeguards. “Biometric data is highly sensitive. The ordinance must provide clear retention periods and robust encryption protocols,” emphasised Dr. Anil Shrestha of the Digital Rights Centre.

The Road Ahead

If Parliament passes the ordinance, the NEC would need to roll out a public awareness campaign within weeks. The draft timeline proposes a phased rollout: a pilot in three provinces by mid‑2025, followed by a nationwide launch by early 2026—well before the 2026 general election, when the current cycle’s term is set to expire.

The Daily Star’s coverage of this initiative was bolstered by a link to the NEC’s official website, where stakeholders can view the ordinance draft and submit comments. It also referenced the constitution’s articles on equal voting rights, underscoring the legal foundations of the proposal.

In sum, Nepal’s push to enrol Gen‑Z voters via an ordinance reflects a broader trend of democracies using technology to deepen participation. Whether the plan will achieve its lofty goals or run into unforeseen obstacles remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the country is taking concrete steps to bring its younger citizens into the heart of its political life—a move that could reshape Nepal’s democratic landscape for years to come.