Election Day

Falgun 7 is a day of special significance in Nepal’s electoral history. The first general election in Nepal began on Falgun 7, 2015. On this day, Nepali citizens were able to exercise their right to vote for the first time. The Election Commission has been celebrating Election Day in memory of that historic day.

Election Day is based on a different historical context than Democracy Day. This day commemorates the day when the formal process of electing people’s representatives began.

General Election of 2015: The Beginning of Nepal’s Democratic Practice

The general election of 2015 is considered the cornerstone of Nepal’s parliamentary practice. Sixteen political parties participated in this election. Out of them, the Nepali Congress won a two-thirds majority, or 74 seats. This result paved the way for the formation of an elected government. The first general election institutionalized the practice of forming a government through the people’s vote. This process is considered to have given a new direction to Nepal’s political development.

When was Election Day first celebrated?

Election Day has been celebrated formally since 2073 BS. Various programs are organized on this day every year, recognizing the electoral process that began on Falgun 7, 2015, as a historic achievement.

Objective and Message of Election Day

The main objective of Election Day is to raise public awareness about the importance of voting rights. On this occasion, interactions, awareness programs, dialogues and institutional commitments are expressed under the leadership of the Election Commission. Strengthening public confidence in a free, fair and transparent electoral system is the main message of this day. Falgun 7 symbolizes a historic beginning in Nepal’s electoral history.

The first general election, which began in 2015 B.S., directly involved Nepali citizens in the governance process. Election Day reminds us that voting rights are not just a right, but also a responsibility. Only conscious and responsible citizen participation can make the electoral system strong and credible.