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