EC Issues Directives for National Assembly Election Security on January 25

In preparation for the National Assembly election scheduled for January 25, the Election Commission (EC) has instructed the government and the Home Ministry to coordinate with respective District Administration Offices for the movement of candidates and voters during election-related programs. The directive aims to enhance security arrangements on the routes leading to polling stations and residential areas of key political figures, including Province Assembly members, chairpersons, vice-chairpersons of rural municipalities, mayors, and deputy-mayors.

The EC has highlighted the importance of coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety and smooth participation of voters and candidates. The move comes in anticipation of possible security challenges, as emphasized by the recommendations of the High-Level Election Security Committee formed under the Election Security (Management) Directive-2078.

Notably, the EC has already established Election Officer offices in Morang, Dhanusha, Makawanpur, Dang, Surkhet, and Kailali, with the election code of conduct enforced since January 16. The election for 19 out of the 20 vacant seats in the National Assembly is scheduled for January 25, with the remaining seat elections set for March 3.

Shreedhar Panthi, Assistant Spokesperson at the EC, stated that the directives were issued to ensure effective and reliable election security arrangements. The EC has directed the security bodies, through the Government of Nepal and the Home Ministry, to activate District Election Security Committees and provide detailed reports after supervising the implementation of the election code of conduct.

As the nation gears up for the National Assembly elections, these directives are aimed at fostering a secure and transparent electoral process, emphasizing the need for collaboration between various government bodies to address potential security challenges.