KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has directed authorities to ensure the availability of primary health care services at polling centers for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.
Issuing a statement, the Commission said necessary arrangements must be made to provide first aid services at polling centers to assist election staff, security personnel, and voters, including persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and those with health conditions.
A total of 10,967 polling locations and 23,255 polling centers, including temporary centers, have been designated for voting on the day.
According to the statement issued by Joint Secretary and spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the Commission has instructed that emergency health services be made available at all polling locations in line with the approved election schedule. The directive aims to ensure that any health-related emergencies during the voting process are promptly addressed.
The Commission has written to the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration to coordinate with all local levels for necessary support. It has also urged the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration to keep doctors, health workers, and essential medicines on standby at hospitals and health institutions across the country to respond to urgent and emergency cases.
The Commission stated that election-related management work is continuing as per the approved timetable. It emphasized the need for effective coordination among federal, provincial, and local governments, as well as concerned stakeholders, to ensure that voters can participate in the election in a safe and supportive environment.
In a bid to ensure free, fair, and fear-free elections and to facilitate meaningful voter participation, the government has already decided to declare three days of public holiday—before, during, and after the polling day—based on the Commission’s recommendation.
Furthermore, to streamline the voting process, the Commission has requested relevant ministries and local levels to make available public infrastructures such as educational institutions, health posts, ward offices, and other government buildings being used as polling centers. These facilities, along with their physical assets, will be utilized for three days—from March 3 to March 5.
The Commission has urged the Government of Nepal, provincial governments, local levels, and all concerned bodies to ensure necessary cooperation in accordance with its decisions and official communications.
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