KATHMANDU:- The Election Commission (EC) has decided to strengthen security arrangements for the House of Representatives elections. The EC has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to implement measures recommended by a high-level security committee to ensure the polls are conducted in a free, credible and fear-free environment.

According to Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, EC’s Joint-Secretary and Spokesperson, a meeting of the High-Level Election Security Committee

reviewed the election security plan, assessed the prevailing security situation and provided guidance and recommendations.

Based on the meeting, the Commission has decided to write to the Ministry of Home Affairs to implement the measures to ensure that the election is conducted in a free, credible and fear-free environment, said Bhattarai.

According to Bhattarai, the Ministry of Home Affairs will direct all Chief District Officers and security agencies to strictly enforce the election code of conduct during the silence period, which begins at midnight on March 2.

The district-level Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees will mobilise designated officials and mechanisms to prevent prohibited activities under Section 24 of the Election (Offences and Punishment) Act, 2073, and Sections 17 and 18 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, he said. Any violations will be dealt with immediately in accordance with prevailing laws, and the EC will be informed accordingly, he said.

The sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited from seven days before polling day until the final election results are announced, the EC stated.

Vehicle restrictions on polling day

According to the EC, except for essential service vehicles, including ambulances, fire engines, hearses, blood transport vehicles, security vehicles, electricity, water supply and sewerage maintenance vehicles, and telecommunications repair vehicles, as well as vehicles belonging to diplomatic missions and those with authorised passes, all public and private vehicles will be prohibited from operating from midnight on March 4 until the completion of voting on March 5.

Air services to continue

The EC said international and domestic flights will operate as usual on polling day. Passengers holding valid air tickets will be allowed to travel between the airport and their residence or hotel using private vehicles or vehicles provided by the respective airlines.

Closure of international border points

In accordance with Section 6 of the Election Security (Management) Directive, 2082, international border points in the concerned districts will be closed 72 hours before polling day to maintain peace and security, EC informed.

As provided under Sections 43 and 84 of the House of Representatives Member Election (Polling) Directive, 2082, voters must carry any of the identity cards, including a voter identity card, citizenship certificate, national identity card, passport, land ownership certificate, or driving licence.

Security personnel, polling officials and stakeholders have been instructed to disseminate this information to ensure eligible voters whose names appear on the electoral roll are able to cast their ballots, said Bhattarai.

Vehicle pass distribution unit

Likewise, the EC has decided to set up a pass distribution unit on the premises of the Election Commission Secretariat in Kathmandu, in accordance with the Vehicle Permit Procedure, 2082.

Two staff members from the Commission and two from the Kathmandu District Administration Office will be assigned to facilitate the issuance of vehicle passes for polling day, said Bhattarai.

The Commission has urged all concerned stakeholders to ensure necessary facilitation and coordination in line with the decisions.