Nepal-Russia Election Cooperation: Focus on Technology and Protection of Sovereignty

Kathmandu – A Russian observer team has held a meeting with officials of the Election Commission ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for today (Thursday) in Nepal. The team, led by I.B. Borisov, a member of the Central Election Commission of Russia, met with R.P. Bhandari, the Acting Chairman of the Election Commission of Nepal. The Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Embassy in Nepal, R.R. Rakshaev, also participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, both sides shared their views on current topics related to the conduct and management of elections. It was reported that in-depth discussions were held, particularly on protecting electoral sovereignty, regulating social media, and how the state can manage the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the electoral process.

Borisov, the head of the Russian team, stated that Russia is interested in further strengthening professional cooperation between the election bodies of the two countries. Furthermore, he extended an invitation on behalf of the Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Russia to the representatives of the Nepali Election Commission to participate in the international observation program for the Russian parliamentary elections (State Duma).

This cooperation emerging in the electoral process between Nepal and Russia is believed to further strengthen the diplomatic relations between the two countries.