KATHMANDU: The Nepali Army is preparing to mobilize around 80,000 personnel for the election of members of the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5.
Nepali Army Brigadier General and spokesperson Rajaram Basnet said the Integrated Security Plan 2026 related to the election has already been approved by the government and endorsed by the President, paving the way for troop deployment accordingly.
“The integrated security plan will guide the mobilization of the Army. As per the plan, troops will be deployed in the field from one month prior to the election,” Basnet said.
He added that the security plan has also been approved by the National Security Council with regard to the mobilization of the Army. The Nepali Army will carry out its responsibilities in three phases during the election period.
In the pre-election phase, the Army will be responsible for the security of ballot paper printing, as well as the protection of vital installations. In coordination with Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, Nepal, the Army will ensure security at key infrastructures including airports and prisons.
During the election process, the Nepali Army will conduct integrated training and exercises related to election security down to the local level, in coordination and cooperation with all four security agencies and district administrations. These efforts aim to help conduct the election in a free, fair, impartial and fear-free environment.
On polling day, the Nepali Army will be deployed in the third security ring at polling stations and centers, providing full security to political parties, candidates, voters and election staff.
Following the completion of voting on March 5, the Army will take responsibility for the transportation of ballot boxes and the security of vote-counting centers.
The Army has also prepared to establish security posts at various locations across the country, as in previous elections. Security seminars are currently being held at the provincial level, and based on the suggestions received, the government will further assess and strengthen security arrangements.
The Nepali Army said it is fully prepared to ensure election security as a top state priority through close coordination and cooperation with all security agencies, local administrations and elected representatives.
Comment