Election Day

By Digital Patro
Date Falgun 7 (February 19)
Duration One-day event
Observance  National
Celebrated in Nepal
Observing Communities Nepali citizens, the Election Commission of Nepal, government bodies, civil society, and students
Type of Event National / Awareness / Democratic Observance
Purpose of Event

To commemorate Nepal’s first democratic election and promote electoral awareness and democratic values.
Holiday Status No holiday is declared
First observed in Falgun 7, 2072 BS (February 19, 2016)

 

National Election Day is observed every year on February 19 in Nepal. It honors the start of electoral democracy in the country. This day remembers Nepal's first democratic election on February 18, 1959 (Falgun 7, 2015 BS). That election was a major turning point in Nepal's history.

The day celebrates free, fair, and credible elections. These elections are the foundation of democratic governance. It promotes civic education and raises awareness about voting. The observance strengthens Nepal's commitment to building democratic institutions.

History and Origin of National Election Day

The foundation of National Election Day lies in Nepal's first democratic general election of 1959.

Key Historical Moments:

1951: 104-year Rana regime ends. The Interim Constitution established the Election Commission.

1951-1957: Political instability delayed elections. Widespread demonstrations demanded timely elections.

February 12, 1959: The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1959 was promulgated. This established a parliamentary system.

February 18 - April 3, 1959: Nepal's first democratic election was held across 109 constituencies. Over 4.24 million voters participated with 42.18% turnout.

May 10, 1959: Nepali Congress won 74 out of 109 seats. B.P. Koirala became Nepal's first democratically elected Prime Minister.

December 15, 1960: King Mahendra dissolved Parliament, ending the first democratic experiment.

Post-2006: Democracy was restored in Nepal after the people's movement. The Election Commission started observing February 19 as National Election Day. This was done to strengthen democratic culture across the country.

Celebration

National Election Day is observed all over Nepal. The Election Commission of Nepal leads the celebration. Government offices, civil society groups, and educational institutions participate. Citizens who care about democracy also take part

Who Celebrates:

  • Election Commission officials and staff

  • Government officials and political party representatives

  • Approximately 18.9 million registered voters

  • Civil society organizations and electoral watchdog groups

  • Youth organizations and university students

  • Educational institutions across Nepal

Main Activities:

Official Ceremonies:

  • Flag hoisting at the Election Commission headquarters

  • Presidential and Prime Ministerial addresses

  • Launch of electoral education materials and strategic plans

  • Distribution of civic education booklets in 24 different languages

Educational Programs:

  • Mock elections in schools and universities

  • Debates and discussions on electoral reforms

  • Screening of educational films like "Ek Vote" 

  • Youth engagement programs promoting voter awareness

Community Service:

  • Blood donation drives organized by the Election Commission

  • Tree planting ceremonies symbolize the growth of democracy

  • Recognition ceremonies for Election Commission staff and volunteers

Digital Campaigns:

  • Social media campaigns using various hashtags, posters, and banners

  • Live streaming of official ceremonies

  • Educational content shared across multiple platforms

Modern Celebrations

Urban Areas:

  • Technology-intensive programs with civil society participation

  • University-led debates and mock elections

  • Strong social media presence

  • Multi-stakeholder roundtables

Rural Areas:

  • Grassroots civic education focus

  • Community Learning Centers as key venues

  • Radio programs in regional languages

  • Door-to-door awareness campaigns

Since 2020, this day has embraced various digital platforms with many online volunteers creating content. Virtual mock elections and webinars on electoral reform have expanded reach.

Social and Educational Value

National Election Day teaches fundamental lessons about democratic participation and civic responsibility. This day reinforces that every voice matters, and individual votes can determine outcomes. It teaches how power transfers peacefully through elections. Democracy needs continuous participation, not just voting once. This is an important lesson for everyone.

Children learn about how elections work in Nepal. They understand Nepal's journey to democracy and become better thinkers. Families talk about democratic values during this time. Elders share stories of historic elections with younger people.

This day brings communities together and strengthens bonds. People work together in civic education programs. They also take part in awareness rallies across the country.

Do's and Don'ts

DO'S:

  • Participate in National Election Day events at local Election Commission offices

  • Educate yourself and family members about Nepal's electoral history

  • Verify your voter registration status if you're an eligible voter

  • Share information about electoral processes on social media

  • Attend panel discussions, seminars, and educational sessions

  • Volunteer for civic education programs if opportunities arise

DON'TS:

  • Don't use the day for partisan political campaigning

  • Avoid spreading misinformation about electoral history or processes

  • Don't disrupt official ceremonies or educational programs

  • Refrain from discriminatory language based on caste, ethnicity, gender, or region

  • Don't dismiss the importance of civic participation

Recognition and Status

National Election Day is not a public holiday — banks, offices, and schools operate normally. However, the Election Commission offices conduct special programs.

Nepal's electoral system is studied internationally. Organizations such as the UNDP, IFES, and the Asian Electoral Resource Center recognize the Election Commission's multilingual civic education approach.

Each year features a specific theme. In 2020: "Free, Fair and Credible Election: Peace, Stability, Prosperous and Good Governance."

In this way, National Election Day is observed across Nepal to celebrate democracy, honor the struggles for democratic rights, and renew the nation's commitment to strengthening electoral processes for future generations.

"Democracy depends on informed, active citizen participation in free, fair, and credible elections."