Nepal Imposes Strict Restrictions on Vehicle Movement During House of Representatives Election

Kathmandu. The government, upon the recommendation of the Election Commission, has strictly enforced restrictions on vehicle operation for the House of Representatives election taking place today (Thursday). Election Commission Spokesperson Suman Ghimire informed that, in line with the Commission's recommendation to arrange necessary security measures, a complete ban on the operation of public and private vehicles has been imposed nationwide from 12 PM today (Thursday) until 5 PM (or until voting concludes). To ensure the voting process is safe and dignified, general public buses, microbuses, taxis, and private vehicles will not be allowed to operate throughout the voting period.

Primarily, only three types of vehicles have been granted permission to operate until the voting process is completed on election day. According to Spokesperson Ghimire, vehicles related to essential services, including ambulances, fire trucks, hearses, blood transfusion vehicles, and vehicles for water supply and electricity maintenance, will be allowed to operate without hindrance. Furthermore, the Commission clarified that only vehicles with blue plates belonging to diplomatic missions and those possessing an approved pass from the Election Commission or the concerned District Administration Office will be permitted on the roads.

The Commission has arranged special facilitation for air travelers. Passengers holding tickets for domestic or international flights on election day will be permitted to use their private vehicles or vehicles provided by the respective airlines to travel to or from the airport. Additionally, to ensure a clean and dispute-free election, the Commission has already directed a complete ban on the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages nationwide from seven days prior to the poll until the final election results are announced.

Approximately 18,903,689 voters across the country will cast their ballots from 23,012 polling centers at 10,967 polling stations between 7 AM and 5 PM on Thursday. To vote, voters must bring one official and original document from among their voter ID card or, as alternatives, citizenship certificate, passport, national identity card, driver's license, or land ownership certificate to the polling center. The government has called upon all citizens to participate in the voting process without hesitation, assuring that nationwide peace and security have been strengthened.