Vehicle Ban Imposed Across Nepal Ahead of House of Representatives Elections

Kathmandu. In view of the House of Representatives elections, a ban on the operation of all vehicles, except for essential services, has been imposed starting from 12:00 AM tonight (Wednesday). The restriction on vehicle operation has been tightened for election security arrangements and will remain in place until voting is completed. However, vehicles providing essential services and those holding passes issued by the Election Commission will operate without hindrance.

The Commission had recommended to the government to impose a vehicle ban to arrange necessary security measures. According to Election Commission Information Officer Suman Ghimire, based on that recommendation, vehicles have been banned from operating from 12:00 AM Wednesday until 5:00 PM Thursday.

He stated that all vehicles, except those for essential services, will not be allowed to operate until the voting process is complete. According to him, the Commission has made arrangements allowing three types of vehicles to operate. Information Officer Ghimire specified that vehicles for essential services such as ambulances, fire trucks, hearses, blood transfusion vehicles, and vehicles related to drinking water and electricity maintenance will be allowed to operate.

Additionally, vehicles with blue license plates belonging to diplomatic missions and vehicles that have received approved passes from the Election Commission or the concerned District Administration Office will also be permitted to operate. Information Officer Ghimire urged all voters and travelers who need to reach their destinations to do so before the vehicle ban takes effect.

The Commission has requested that if any obstruction or problem arises during vehicle use throughout the election period, coordination should be made with the nearest security agency. The Commission has stated that if necessary, security agencies will arrange facilitation in coordination with the Election Commission.