Kathmandu, November 25

All the security arrangements for the first phase of parliamentary and provincial elections scheduled for tomorrow in 32 districts have been made, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Organising a press meet at the MoHA today, Home Secretary Mohan Krishna Sapkota informed that ‘unprecedented’ security arrangements had been made for the elections.

“As many as 64,000 personnel from Nepali Army, 68,678 from Nepal Police, 42,891 from Armed Police Force and 98,176 temporary cops have been deployed in the elections,” he said, adding that security agencies would also conduct ground and aerial patrolling during the elections to ensure that voting takes place smoothly without any untoward incident.

NP personnel and temporary cops have been deployed inside the polling centres while APF and NA personnel will man the second and the outermost ring, respectively. “We have mobilised security personnel in such a way that they reach anywhere within 10 to15 minutes. We urge all to exercise their voting rights without fear,” said Secretary Sapkota. He assured all of enhanced security as they take part in the polls.

Each polling station has received election logistics and is under full security cover. He warned that any person or group involved in intimidating and threatening voters, candidates and employees deputed at polling stations would be dealt with ruthlessly.

The MoHA has carried out comprehensive security mapping of each polling centre and location to chalk out strategies on the basis of threat assessment by revising the previous security plan. It has also classified polling stations into three categories — normal, sensitive and highly sensitive — for security purpose. Security forces deployed for poll security have been authorised to open fire on any person or group resorting to violence.

Meanwhile, the MoHA has barred all vehicles other than emergency ones from plying the roads in the districts where the elections will be held tomorrow.