Kathmandu, October 12 

The Election Commission today directed all security agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, to arrange proper security for the upcoming provincial and parliamentary elections slated for November 26 and December 7.

During a high level security meeting held at the EC’s central office in Kantipath, Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhi Prasad Yadav directed senior officials of all security agencies to ensure adequate security to voters, candidates, EC staffers and national and international election observers.

EC commissioners Ila Sharma, Narendra Dahal, Ishwori Prasad Paudel, EC Secretary Begendra Sharma, Home Secretary Lok Darshan Regmi, Defense Secretary Shreedhar Sapkota, Chief of General Staff of Nepal Army Baldev Raj Mahat, IGP of Nepal Police Prakash Aryal, IGP of Armed Police Force Singha Bahadur Shrestha, Chief of National Investigation Department Dilip Regmi was present in the meeting presided over by EC Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Shah.

Home Secretary Regmi presented comprehensive poll security planning prepared by the ministry. He assured EC officials that the ministry was serious regarding security during the elections. He said all four security agencies — Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department would be mobilised in upcoming elections to ensure security. EC office bearers lauded the security planning by the ministry for the local level elections terming it as very useful and practical.

According to a press release issued by EC spokesperson Nabaraj Dhakal, EC officials also asked officials to take appropriate measures to prevent untoward incidents and directed them to work in a coordinated manner to ensure free, fair and impartial elections. They also cautioned security agencies about the security of national leaders as they would also be contesting the upcoming polls.

EC commissioner Sudhir Kumar Shah said security challenges could mount due to unfair competition among the political parties. He asked the security agencies to identify highly sensitive, sensitive and normal polling centers and maintain communal harmony.

EC Secretary Begendra Sharma Paudel stressed proper coordination among the security agencies.The EC has also asked security agencies to check production and sale of liquor.

Senior security officials said they had taken EC’s security concerns seriously and started preparations accordingly. The EC said elections would be held in 32 districts on November 26 and on December 7 in the remaining 45 districts.