Nepal, Jan. 10 -- A printing machine bought by the Election Commission (EC) eight years ago to print voter lists and identity cards has never been put to use-and now sits abandoned. Despite owning the machine, the EC has spent millions of rupees outsourcing the printing of voter materials for every election since its purchase. According to the EC, the machine will not be used even in the upcoming March 5 election.

Since its purchase, several elections have taken place, including the three-tier elections in 2074 BS, by-elections in 2076 BS, the National Assembly election in 2078 BS, the three-tier elections in 2079 BS, and the National Assembly election in 2080 BS.

Efforts to operationalize the machine are now reportedly underway. A seve...