KATHMANDU: The Election Commission of Nepal has urged security agencies to help conduct the local level elections in free and fair manner.

In a meeting with the chiefs of all four security agencies and secretaries of the concerned ministries, the EC on Friday asked the authorities to help hold the polls in a free, fair, credible and amicable manner.

Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhi Prasad Yadav and Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Shah asked the security agencies to prepare a security plan by analysing security sensitivity and human resources.

In response, Home Secretary Lok Darshan Regmi informed that a comprehensive draft of security plan would be prepared.

Likewise, Defence Secretary Sridhar Sapkota pledged that Nepal Army would discharge its responsibility in view of the elections.

Earlier, in an interaction with the chiefs and representatives of Nepal-based foreign diplomatic and United Nations mission and development partners, Dr Yadav asked the international community to cooperate in order to conduct the polls.

The diplomats had inquired about challenges for holding the polls and election monitoring.

On the occasion, EC’s Joint Secretary Nawaraj Dhakal informed about laws and constitutional provisions related to the elections and EC’s preparations for the polls.

The EC also urged the Home Ministry to manage special security and maintain law and order in view of the elections.

The EC also urged the government to ban wielding, demonstration and use of weapons, batons, improvised exclusive devices, poisonous substances, firearms and pistols during the polls.

It also urged the government to ban the production and sales of alcohol and alcoholic beverage during the elections and take action against those trying to disrupt polls.