Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has clarified that the electoral system and technology cannot be changed once the election date has been announced.
Addressing an orientation programme for chief election officers, election officers, and provincial and district election officials, Bhandari said that changing electoral methods after the announcement would not be permissible under international electoral law norms. “If international observers do not recognize the electoral process or describe the election as being conducted under pressure, it could raise global questions about the integrity and outcome of the election,” he added.
During his address, Bhandari said that the upcoming elections would be conducted entirely using the country’s internal resources and capacities.
Clarifying the compulsion to keep election offices at district headquarters, Bhandari said it is not feasible to establish offices in all areas due to security concerns. “That is why a decision has been made to operate election offices from the headquarters,” he added.
Stating that misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech have emerged as pressing challenges during elections, Bhandari said that the Election Commission (EC) is alert to these issues. He added that the EC was holding discussions with experts and international social media platforms to curb such problems.
the election process.
