Central Security Committee Bans Use of Open-Top Vehicles by Candidates During Election Campaigning

Kathmandu. The Central Security Committee discussed the use of 'rooftop vehicles' with open tops by candidates while campaigning for elections.

The Security Committee meeting held at Singha Durbar on Thursday decided to ban the use of such vehicles. Home Ministry Spokesperson (Joint Secretary) Anand Kafle told Ratopati that the decision to ban the use of such vehicles was made keeping in mind the security of the candidates.

The meeting, chaired by Home Minister Omprakash Aryal, was attended by Home Ministry Secretary Rajkumar Shrestha, IGP Dan Bahadur Karki, Armed Police Force IGP Raju Aryal, Chief of the National Investigation Department, Army representative, and Joint Secretary Anand Kafle.

Officials from the Provincial Security Committee and District Security Committee also participated in the meeting virtually. Currently, the practice of candidates soliciting votes from vehicles with open roofs is increasing across the country. Joint Secretary Kafle said, 'We concluded that there is a security risk to the candidates and decided to discourage the use of such vehicles.'

The meeting also discussed the activities and preparations so far regarding the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21. Concluding that the preparations are good, it was decided to further strengthen the preparations.

There was a discussion about being cautious in the deployment of staff to maintain neutrality and impartiality in the election. He said, 'We have decided not to allow impunity due to staff.'

The Central Security Committee has directed the District Security Committee meetings to be held daily throughout the election period. Furthermore, it was concluded that security agencies should increase joint patrolling.