The Election Commission has said weather conditions are unlikely to affect the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.

Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, spokesperson for the commission, said the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s forecast shows dry conditions in the mountainous regions on March 4, 5 and 6, with no likelihood of rainfall. The assessment is based on a study of weather patterns over the past 30 years, the department informed the commission on Friday.

The commission had sought weather analysis for the period from February 22 to March 14. According to Bhattarai, historical data indicate generally dry and normal weather during that window, and the latest report also suggests no weather-related obstacles to the elections. He added that the commission would be informed immediately if there were any unexpected changes.

The clarification comes amid recent political debate over whether the election might need to be held in two phases because of extreme weather in mountainous districts.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Sushila Karki had said the snap polls could be conducted in two phases if severe weather persisted, with voting in affected districts possibly postponed. Her remarks had raised doubts about whether the election would be held on time.

However, on Thursday, Karki said the election would be held in a single phase. After visiting the Janak Education Material Centre to review the printing of ballot papers, she said preparations were complete, and only voting remained.

“After seeing the ballot papers, we felt that the election had arrived,” Karki said. “People only need to stamp the ballots now.”

She assured that the polls would be held on a single day, dismissing speculation about a phased election. “Please be assured, the election is coming. It will be held on a single day,” she said.