Government Bans Alcohol Sales and Consumption Ahead of House of Representatives Election

Kathmandu. To ensure the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21 is conducted in a peaceful, impartial, and fear-free environment, a ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol has been imposed across the country. The government, upon the recommendation of the Election Commission, has prohibited the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol starting Friday.

The Commission has also stated that it will closely monitor the implementation of the ban. Suman Ghimire, Information Officer for the Election Commission, informed that the ban on the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcohol is in effect from Falgun 15 until the completion of the voting process. This decision was made to control potential undesirable activities and maintain law and order during the election period.

He further informed that action will be taken according to prevailing laws against anyone found selling, distributing, or consuming alcohol during the specified period.

He stated, 'The Election Commission has recommended several provisions to the Government of Nepal to maintain law and order during the House of Representatives election on Falgun 21. Accordingly, a prohibition has been put in place from 7 days prior to the election date, i.e., Falgun 15, 2082, until the completion of the voting process, banning the sale, distribution, or consumption of any type of alcohol. In accordance with this provision, the Election Commission is closely monitoring whether such activities are taking place generally, and therefore, the Election Commission heartily requests all stakeholders not to engage in or facilitate such activities. To maintain this kind of law and order, the Election Commission also requests all political parties, candidates, and security agencies involved in the election.'

The Commission has urged all voters, businesspersons, political parties, candidates, and security agencies to adhere to the code of conduct and cooperate throughout the election period. The Commission emphasized that all parties involved in the election must fulfill their respective responsibilities to ensure voting is completed in a dignified and disciplined environment. – News Agency Nepal