Polls, referendum ballots to feature distinct colour, cast in same box

The Election Commission (EC) has set a clear framework for the 13th National Parliament election and the February 12, 2026 referendum, directing that ballots for the 13th National Parliament election and the referendum be cast in the same transparent ballot box.

To ease counting, referendum ballots will be pink, while parliamentary ballots remain white, according to an EC circular issued on Saturday (December 13).

For the referendum scheduled in February 2026, the EC has issued detailed guidelines covering the referendum question, voting schedule, appointment of returning and polling officers, voting procedures, and result publication.

The referendum will seek public approval for the “July National Identity (Constitution Amendment) Implementation Order, 2025,” which includes 30 proposed reforms, such as caretaker government system during elections, bicameral parliament formation, increased women’s representation, judicial independence, strengthening local government, term limits for the Prime Minister, and amendments to the President’s powers.

Voting will run uninterrupted from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, with postal ballots following the same procedures as the parliamentary election. After the polls close, ballots for the parliamentary election and the referendum will be counted separately.

The EC emphasized that the unified ballot system is designed to streamline voting, reduce confusion, and ensure a smooth process for the historic simultaneous election and referendum.