How is Nepal Ensuring Election Security with Army Mobilization?
Synopsis
As Nepal approaches its parliamentary elections on March 5, the mobilization of the Nepal Army highlights the nation's commitment to maintaining order and safety. With over 79,000 soldiers deployed, the country is taking extensive measures to ensure a smooth electoral process amidst heightened security concerns.
Key Takeaways
The Nepal Army is mobilizing over 79,000 personnel for election security.
Security arrangements are structured in three phases: pre-election, during elections, and post-election.
Joint patrols with police and other agencies are being conducted to ensure safety.
Security measures include protecting polling stations and ballot transportation.
A total of 338,000 security personnel will be involved in the election process.
Kathmandu, Feb 4 (NationPress) With Nepal gearing up for parliamentary elections on March 5, the Nepal Army has been deployed nationwide to bolster election security starting this Wednesday.
According to the Integrated Election Security Plan, the country is set to deploy 79,727 army personnel to assist the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and the temporary election police to ensure a peaceful electoral process. With only a month until the elections, the army's involvement is aimed at enhancing security for the House of Representatives polls.
“The mobilization of the Nepal Army aligns with the Government of Nepal's decision and the Integrated Security Plan,” stated Brigadier General Rajaram Basnet, spokesperson for the Nepal Army. “We have set up bases and are conducting joint patrols with other security agencies as part of our election security measures.”
The army will take over security at airports, prisons, and other critical installations, allowing police forces to focus on field duties related to the elections.
Basnet noted that joint patrols include evaluating election centers to devise appropriate security management plans. The security arrangements will be executed in three phases: pre-election, during elections, and post-election.
In the pre-election phase, the Nepal Army is tasked with ensuring safety during the printing of ballot papers. “We will continue with joint operations involving personnel from all security agencies, along with ground and aerial patrols conducted by the Nepal Army,” Basnet added.
As outlined in the plan, the Nepal Army will secure polling stations from the third security ring, collaborating with the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force. The Nepal Police will operate in the first ring, followed by the Armed Police Force in the second ring, and the Nepal Army in the outer third ring. “However, the arrangement of these security rings may be adjusted based on the situation,” Basnet clarified.
In the post-election phase, security personnel will be deployed to guarantee the safe transport of ballot boxes, the security of polling stations, and the protection of vote-counting centers.
More than 338,000 security personnel will be mobilized under this plan, which includes personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, election police, intelligence agencies, and various other security units.
Point of View
The deployment of the Nepal Army underlines the government's proactive approach to election security. This move reflects the country's commitment to a fair and peaceful electoral process, ensuring that citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear. As always, the nation stands united in upholding the integrity of its democratic institutions.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of mobilizing the Nepal Army for elections?
The Nepal Army is mobilized to enhance security and ensure a peaceful electoral process during the parliamentary elections.
How many personnel are deployed for election security?
A total of 79,727 army personnel will be deployed to assist various security forces during the elections.
What phases are included in the Integrated Security Plan?
The security plan consists of three phases: pre-election, during elections, and post-election.
What role will the Nepal Army play at polling stations?
The Nepal Army will provide security to polling stations from the third security ring, working alongside the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force.
How will the security arrangements be adjusted?
The configuration of security rings may change depending on the evolving situation on the ground.
