KATHMANDU: With six days remaining for the election to the House of Representatives (HoR), the Election Commission (EC) has imposed a ban on the sale, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages until the final results are announced.
The decision was taken in line with the election security plan endorsed by the High-Level Election Security Committee formed under Section 3 of the Election Security Management Directive, 2078.
Following an overall security assessment and recommendations related to maintaining law and order, the Commission has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to enforce the measure.
Chief District Officers and security agencies in all districts have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the Election Code of Conduct. The District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees have been mobilized to prevent prohibited activities under the Election (Offences and Punishments) Act, 2073 and the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.
The Commission has directed authorities to take immediate legal action against any violations and report back promptly. On voting day, vehicles providing essential services, including ambulances, fire engines, hearses, blood transfusion services, security agencies, and vehicles used for electricity, drinking water, sewage and telecommunication maintenance, will be allowed to operate.
Vehicles belonging to diplomatic missions and those with special passes issued for election day will also be permitted. All other public and private vehicles will be barred from operating from midnight on March 4 until the evening of March 5, after voting concludes.
International and domestic flights will operate as usual on polling day. The Commission has arranged transportation facilities for passengers holding valid air tickets to travel between the airport and their homes or hotels. Passengers may use vehicles provided by private operators or respective airlines for airport transfers.
Accepted documents for voting
According to the Election (Voting) Directive for the House of Representatives, 2082, voters may cast their ballots by presenting a voter identity card or Nepali citizenship certificate.
They may also use a national identity card, passport, land ownership certificate or driver’s license. Any one of these documents is sufficient, provided the voter’s name appears on the official voter list.
The Commission has instructed security personnel and election staff to allow eligible voters carrying the required identification to vote without obstruction.
A pass distribution unit will be set up at the Commission’s Secretariat in Kathmandu on polling day to issue vehicle passes authorized by the Election Commission and the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. The unit will be staffed by two employees from each office.
Comment