The government on Thursday asked Kathmandu-based diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, international organisations and development partners to strictly observe and implement the election Code of Conduct.

Ahead of the March 5 polls, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a general briefing for diplomatic missions, UN agencies and international organisations based in Kathmandu, updating them on election preparations, the code of conduct and related matters.

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai briefed participants on key aspects of preparations for the forthcoming House of Representatives election, scheduled for March 5. The briefing was attended by 33 diplomats, officials and representatives.

In particular, diplomatic missions have been requested to refrain from any activities that may be perceived as influencing the electoral process, Rai said. These include, but are not limited to, inaugurations, foundation-laying ceremonies, surveys, feasibility studies, grant disbursements, and the provision of vehicles, buildings or materials for political purposes.

“Diplomatic missions are strictly prohibited from participating in political party programmes, providing funds or material support, and using technologies—including artificial intelligence and digital platforms—for promotion or advocacy for or against any party or candidate,” the foreign secretary said.

The Election Commission enforced the election code of conduct from January 19, directing a wide range of stakeholders—including the three tiers of government, ministers, constitutional bodies, government employees, security agencies and personnel, political parties, candidates, the media and others—to adhere to it. Thursday’s briefing was aimed at ensuring effective implementation of the code by the diplomatic community.

The Election Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will jointly monitor the activities of diplomatic missions, UN agencies, international organisations and development partners, and report on their compliance with the code of conduct. A joint secretary and an under-secretary from the foreign ministry are already working with the Election Commission to monitor such activities, and the mechanism will be further strengthened as necessary, ministry officials said.

“The Election Commission is well advanced in its preparations and remains confident of conducting the elections in a free, fair, credible and safe environment,” Rai said. “Following the nomination of candidates under both electoral systems, the overall electoral atmosphere has been marked by enthusiasm and active participation.”

Rai also informed the diplomatic community that the commision would provide a comprehensive technical briefing approximately one week prior to polling day, and called for active participation in election observation. He said election observation remains a vital pillar of the electoral process, contributing to its credibility, integrity and public confidence. As in past elections, the commission has invited both national and international observers to monitor the 2026 House of Representatives election.

So far, four international organisations and 37 national organisations have been accredited, Rai said. Invitations have also been extended to the Federation of Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA) and to partner countries with which the Election Commission maintains institutional cooperation. “We are currently in the process of receiving their confirmations,” he added.

“The government of Nepal reiterates its firm commitment to facilitating effective election observation in accordance with the law and established norms and practices,” Rai said, adding that all necessary logistical and operational arrangements would be made by the Election Commission as appropriate.

According to the foreign secretary, the Election Commission has prepared Election Day Guidelines, which have been formally communicated to the diplomatic community through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To ensure smooth coordination, liaison officers will be designated to facilitate observers, and diplomatic missions and international organisations have been requested to adhere to established procedural guidelines related to election observation.

Rai further stated that election security remains a top priority, and that all national security agencies—including the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force Nepal, the National Intelligence Department and the Election Police—will be mobilised. He said the Ministry of Home Affairs will lead security operations under a three-layered system with civilian command, and reaffirmed that both the government and the Election Commission are fully committed to ensuring a free, fair and secure electoral environment across the country.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Bhattarai, and representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs were also present at the briefing.