KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has issued the “Vehicle Permit Procedure, 2082” targeting the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. The procedure was approved on February 3 and aims to regulate vehicle use during election campaigning and on polling day in a systematic and disciplined manner.
Under the new rules, political parties, candidates, and their representatives may use vehicles for election purposes only within the limits defined by the procedure.
Key provisions
- Permit mandatory
Political parties, candidates, or their authorized representatives must obtain a vehicle permit from the concerned Election Officer. Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format. Vehicles cannot be used for election purposes without approval.
- Limit on number of vehicles
A House of Representatives candidate may use up to two vehicles—two-wheelers, three-wheelers, or light four-wheelers. In areas where vehicles cannot operate, candidates may use up to four horses.
- Silence period restriction
Permitted vehicles cannot be used during the silence period, defined as the 48 hours before polling begins until voting concludes.
- Seizure for violations
Vehicles used without permits or operated during the silence period will be seized and returned only after the election. District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees may instruct local authorities to take action. On polling day, only permitted vehicles may operate, except for air services, which are exempt.
- Permits on polling day
On election day, permits may be issued to candidates, security personnel, constitutional bodies and officials, the National Information Commission, observers, diplomatic missions, UN agencies, media, foreign tourists, international organizations, monitors, special guests, and other entities designated by the Commission.
Candidates or their representatives must apply to the Chief Election Officer/Election Officer. Other entities must submit an application with an official letter at least two days before polling.
In Kathmandu, a centralized vehicle movement desk will be set up at the Election Commission. In other districts, permits will be issued by the District Administration Office in coordination with the Chief Election Officer.
- Foreign-plated vehicles prohibited
Vehicles with foreign number plates are not allowed for election campaigning.
- Exempted essential services
Certain vehicles do not require permits, including ambulances, fire engines, hearses, hospital services, drinking water tankers, milk transport, telecommunications, and electricity service vehicles. Vehicles with CD diplomatic plates are also exempt.
