Crowds Flock to Voter Registration Centers Ahead of March 5 Election as Gen Z Voices Rise

Kathmandu — As Nepal prepares for the upcoming election scheduled for Fagun 21 (March 5), voter registration centers across the country have begun witnessing growing crowds. From the heart of Kathmandu Valley to district offices nationwide, citizens are lining up to ensure their names are listed on the Election Commission’s official voter roll before the registration deadline.

The surge in turnout follows the Election Commission’s recent announcement that eligible citizens can register their names at any election office across the country, regardless of their permanent address. This decision has significantly eased the process for students, migrant workers, and professionals living away from home, prompting a nationwide rush to registration offices.

The Commission has also simplified the registration process through its online form system. Citizens can now fill out the form digitally and later visit their nearest election office to provide their photograph and biometric details. According to the Commission, voter registration will remain open until mid-November, allowing several weeks for the remaining eligible population to enroll.

In Kathmandu Valley, voter registration offices in Minbhawan (Kathmandu District Office), Jawalakhel (Lalitpur District Office), and Sallaghari-Srijananagar (Bhaktapur District Office) have seen particularly high foot traffic. Long queues have formed outside these offices as young and first-time voters hurry to complete the process.

Adding to this wave of civic participation is the growing involvement of Generation Z, many of whom are registering to vote for the first time. The trend has been amplified by recent Gen Z-led protests demanding political reform, employment opportunities, and better governance. Social media campaigns have encouraged young Nepalis to take part in the democratic process rather than remain silent observers.

Analysts say this renewed enthusiasm from the younger demographic could play a decisive role in shaping the political landscape of the upcoming election. With an increasing number of digital-native voters now entering the rolls, the March 5 election is expected to mark a new chapter in Nepal’s evolving democratic participation, one driven by technology, inclusivity, and a youthful demand for accountability.