Essential services, emergency and diplomatic vehicles exempted from permit requirement
KATHMANDU, MARCH 1
With four days remaining for the House of Representatives (HoR) election, the Election Commission Nepal has clarified that vehicles carrying essential goods and services will not require permits to operate on polling day, March 5.
According to the Commission, vehicles transporting drinking water, milk, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and petroleum products will be allowed to operate without a pass. Vehicles used for telecommunication, electricity, sewage and drinking water maintenance, as well as hospital services - including the movement of doctors and health workers - are also exempt under the Vehicle Permit Procedures, 2082.
The Commission has recommended that the government ensure such vehicles are used strictly for designated purposes and do not carry unauthorized passengers.
Passengers travelling to and from airports for domestic and international flights will also not require vehicle passes. Likewise, vehicles transporting pregnant women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens unable to walk and one accompanying helper will be allowed to move without restriction.
Vehicles bearing 'CD' number plates belonging to diplomatic missions, vehicles used by election observers with valid identity cards, monitoring teams of the National Human Rights Commission and media personnel carrying press passes will also be permitted to operate.
Meanwhile, an integrated vehicle movement desk has been set up at the Commission's premises with representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs Nepal and the District Administration Office Kathmandu to coordinate vehicle movement on election day. Vehicle passes issued by the District Administration Offices of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur are being distributed through the same desk.
