Stakeholders Urge Alternatives to Using Schools as Polling Centers

February 16, 2026. In an interaction program in Hetauda organized by CZOP, INSEC, and Himali Navin Samaj, stakeholders highlighted concerns about using schools as polling centers.

Bagmati Province Deputy Speaker Apsara Chapagain and Hetauda Mayor Meena Kumari Lama emphasized the need to find alternatives, suggesting the use of community buildings.

Participants noted various forms of child misuse in past elections, including involvement in rallies, publishing activities, and logistical roles. Concerns were also raised about emerging digital misuse through social media and AI.

Representatives from Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Nepal Communist Party, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party committed not to use children in elections and signed a joint commitment.