Home Minister Clarifies Vote Counting and Security Protocols for Upcoming Election

Kathmandu. Home Minister Omprakash Aryal stated that following the voting on Falgun 21, ballot boxes will be transported to the Returning Officer's office under the integrated security plan for counting. Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Home Minister Aryal refuted claims that the Nepali Army would be responsible for transporting the ballot boxes.

Minister Aryal asserted that security preparations for the election have been finalized based on an approved integrated security plan, under which security agencies have been deployed, ensuring complete security arrangements. "All agencies have reached the polling stations. Security is fully guaranteed nationwide, with arrangements in place to control and facilitate the security situation as needed at any given time," said Minister Aryal.

Furthermore, he informed that all necessary materials for voting have reached the respective constituencies.

When asked if the Nepali Army would transport the ballots after voting to the Returning Officer's office, Minister Aryal denied this. "The ballot papers printed by Janak Shiksha have reached the Officer's office in the constituency," he said. "The responsibility of taking them from there to the polling station belongs to the Returning Officer. The narrative created around this was incorrect."

He clarified that after voting, the box containing the ballots will be placed in a vehicle and brought back to the Returning Officer's office. "Even at that time, the Returning Officer will be the one bringing it. The driver and the Returning Officer will sit at the very front of that vehicle. Then comes the ballot box. After that is the police. Behind the police are the candidates' representatives. The vehicle carrying the ballot box may be escorted by vehicles from the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police, and if there is insecurity, even vehicles from the Nepali Army can provide escort," he explained.

Minister Aryal also claimed that this election will be more robust and free from rigging compared to previous ones. "This will secure the quality of democracy and help take a big leap towards good governance," claimed Minister Aryal.