Nepali Army Finalizes Security Management for Upcoming House of Representatives Election

The Nepali Army has arranged robust security management in three phases—pre-election, during the election, and post-election—for the House of Representatives election scheduled for this Falgun 21. Following the recommendation of the National Security Council and approval by the Council of Ministers and the President, the Nepali Army, mobilized for election security, has formulated a security plan, similar to past elections.

According to Army Spokesperson Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet, necessary preparations have been completed by conducting election-focused training and joint exercises. In the meantime, the Army has successfully completed the responsibility of securing the ballot paper printing process.

The Election Commission stated that election materials have been transported to 75 districts as of today, and ballot papers will be delivered to all districts by tomorrow. Ballot papers were transported by air in five districts based on geographical conditions, and by land route in the remaining districts.

The Army has been responsible for the security of the ballot paper printing sites and the transportation of ballot papers from Kathmandu to the election offices in all districts across the country in all elections since 2048 BS.

During the election, the Army provides security as the third layer, and after the election is completed, an integrated team comprising other security agencies, election officers, and party representatives provides security to transport the ballot boxes to the counting centers.

During the vote counting, the Army provides security from the outer perimeter of the counting site. Army Spokesperson Basnet clarified that the Army, along with other security agencies, has been mobilized to ensure the upcoming election is conducted in a safe, fear-free, and impartial manner, just like in the past.

According to the integrated security plan, the Army will carry out tasks such as securing polling stations and counting centers, aerial patrols, and neutralizing suspicious objects during the election. The Army stated that additional troops will be mobilized through various means in the third security layer as needed, ensuring a secure environment for the election by deploying forces to any security perimeter.

To further strengthen election security, the Army has established bases in various locations across the country and is conducting regular patrols in coordination and cooperation with local administration and relevant stakeholders.

The Army reported that it is assisting in transporting and managing election materials and facilitating the general public by clearing snow accumulated on roads and paths in geographically remote areas. The Army is also deployed to secure 116 important structures, including prisons, airports, government offices, and those secured by other security agencies.

The Army stated that the election security activities are being continuously monitored at the central and local levels. During this process, Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel has been inspecting the troops deployed at various command centers and in the field, providing necessary directives.

In a conversation with RSS, Army Spokesperson Basnet stated that the Army is fully committed to conducting election security according to the integrated security plan, coordinating with the government, the Election Commission, local administration, and other security agencies while fully adhering to the election code of conduct and human rights.

The Army noted that it has experience in playing a supportive role in conducting peaceful elections in various conflict-affected countries, building a reputation as a reliable and dependable peacekeeper in the United Nations-called world peace establishment missions.

The Army expressed the expectation that this House of Representatives election will be conducted in a safe and peaceful environment due to the strong commitment of the government and the active mobilization of the Army and other security agencies.