KATHMANDU: Nepal is gearing up for its House of Representatives election on March 5, and a series of security measures have been put in place to ensure the voting process runs smoothly and safely.
No private or public vehicles on the roads
Starting midnight on March 4, all public and private vehicles will be banned from operating until voting is fully completed on Election Day. The decision was made by the High-Level Election Security Committee, formed specifically to manage security arrangements for the election.
Only essential services will be allowed to operate during this period. These include ambulances, fire brigades, hearse vehicles, blood transfusion services, security agency vehicles, and vehicles used for electricity, drinking water, sewage, and telecommunications repair and maintenance. Diplomatic mission vehicles and those holding a special pass issued for Election Day will also be permitted on the roads.
A dedicated pass distribution unit will be set up at the Election Commission’s secretariat premises to issue vehicle passes on Election Day, in line with the Vehicle Permission Procedure, 2082, issued by the Commission.
Domestic and international flights will continue to operate as usual on Election Day. Passengers with air tickets will be allowed to travel between the airport and their homes or hotels using their own vehicles or transportation provided by their respective airlines.
International border crossings to close 72 hours before election
All international border crossings will be shut down 72 hours before the election, meaning closures will begin around March 2. The Election Commission has written to the government through the Ministry of Home Affairs to seal border points in districts bordering India and China.
The decision is in accordance with Section 6, Clause (Jha) of the House of Representatives Election Security (Management) Directive, 2082.
With all land border crossings closed, import and export via road routes will remain suspended for approximately four days.
In addition, the sale and distribution of alcohol will be banned starting seven days before voting day and will remain prohibited until the final election results are officially announced.
The Election Commission has also called on all relevant stakeholders to extend their cooperation and coordination during this period.
