Security beefed up for second phase of local level elections

Kathmandu, May 24

The government has said that preparation is in full swing to maintain law and order before and during the second phase of local level elections scheduled for June 14.

According to a source at the Ministry of Home Affairs, it is working to revise the already developed integrated security plan and other strategies as may be required on the basis of threat assessment, as the second phase of local level polls is likely to be more challenging than the first phase.

The first phase of elections were generally held in a free, fair and peaceful manner in Province 3, 4 and 6, except for a few cases of sporadic violence in Dolakha, Kavre and Kalikot districts and alleged irregularities.

“Since a majority of Madhes-based parties are still undecided about their participation in the second phase of civic polls to be held in Province 1, 2, 5 and 7 and have threatened to foil the process if their demands are not addressed, it seems to be a must for the government to make more efforts to ensure that elections are held in a peaceful manner,” said the source, adding that potential cross-border crimes were another expected threat to the polls.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also identified a long list of sensitive areas in the second phase of local level elections. Meanwhile, the government has stepped up security to prevent anti-election elements from creating disturbance during before, during and after the polls. Like in first phase of elections, Nepal Police personnel and temporary cops will be deployed inside the polling centres while Armed Police Force and Nepali Army will man the second and outermost ring respectively.

Arrangements of micro-observers and additional security forces have also been made for the polls. Officials said there was no specific information that suggested a threat to polls, but added that security personnel would remain vigilant throughout the country to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.

Security forces deployed for poll security have been authorised to open fire on any person or group resorting to violence.

The government has already decided to mobilise as many as 226,000 security personnel for the elections and asked all four security agencies to do the needful to maintain law and order during the polls.