Nepal’s 2023 Elections Go Green with Bold New Sustainability Rules
Nepal is preparing for a greener approach to its upcoming national elections in March 2023. The country has introduced a green election code to reduce waste and environmental harm caused by traditional campaigning methods. This move follows concerns over the significant ecological footprint left by elections in populous nations, including India, where efforts to curb waste have had mixed results.
The new code in Nepal mandates the use of electric vehicles for campaigning and bans single-use plastics and polythene. Organisers of election events must also collect and properly dispose of waste generated during rallies and gatherings. Digital campaigning is being encouraged, leveraging Nepal’s high mobile phone penetration, even if smartphone and internet access remain uneven.
Nepal’s green election code aims to set a new standard for sustainable campaigning in South Asia. By combining stricter waste management, digital outreach, and tree-planting initiatives, the country hopes to minimise environmental damage while maintaining democratic participation. The success of these measures will depend on cooperation from political parties and ongoing public awareness efforts.
