Nepali Migrant Workers: Influential Yet Voiceless in Upcoming Elections

Nepal is set to hold parliamentary elections on March 5, marking the first electoral event since the government was overthrown in September 2025 due to youth-led protests. These protests were driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the economy and limited job opportunities. A significant aspect of this electoral landscape is the role of Nepali migrant workers, who, despite their substantial influence on the political climate, are unable to participate in the voting process.

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Approximately 2.5 million Nepalis, representing 7.5% of the population, work abroad, primarily in the Gulf states, India, and Malaysia. Their remittances contribute over a third of Nepal's gross domestic product, underscoring their importance to the national economy. Political parties recognize the sway these workers hold over voters back home, as they often serve as the primary financial supporters for their families. According to Ganesh Gurung, chief of Nepal’s Policy Research Institute, migrant workers are active on social media and express significant frustration with the government, which can influence public opinion and voting behavior.

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Despite their influence, Nepali migrant workers lack the ability to vote. Legal efforts to establish a voting system for expatriates have stalled since a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 mandated that the government take action. A proposed act in 2023 failed to materialize due to budget constraints and security concerns regarding electronic voting. The interim government, formed after the 2025 protests, has expressed support for overseas voting, but no concrete reforms have been implemented in time for the upcoming elections.

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The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has made the issue of voting rights for migrant workers a central part of its platform, gaining significant traction in the 2022 elections. Balendra Shah, the RSP's prime ministerial candidate, attributes his electoral success as Kathmandu’s mayor to the support of Nepali nationals abroad. He has publicly advocated for granting voting rights to migrants, emphasizing that their inclusion could reshape the political landscape in Nepal.

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Former chief election commissioner Neil Kantha Uprety noted that if the government and the Election Commission were willing, they could have extended the election timeline to accommodate expatriates. Human rights lawyer Barun Ghimire expressed optimism about the inevitability of change regarding voting rights for migrants, suggesting that their participation could enhance democratic accountability.

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While there is a consensus on the influence of migrant workers, opinions differ on the feasibility of implementing voting rights. Some sources indicate that the government has not made significant progress since the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling, while others suggest that the political will exists to make changes in the future.

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• “As they are the main breadwinner of their families, they have a lot of influence,” — Ganesh Gurung, Chief, Nepal’s Policy Research Institute

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• “Imagine a million people voting for a single political party,” — Barun Ghimire, Human Rights Lawyer

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• “If both the government and the Election Commission had the willingness, they could have extended the election timeline and included Nepalis living abroad,” — Neil Kantha Uprety, Former Chief Election Commissioner

The Straits Times

The upcoming elections in Nepal highlight the paradox of a significant voter base that remains voiceless, raising questions about the future of democratic engagement for Nepali migrant workers.

The Straits Times