The Election Commission has announced a ban on the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages starting today until the final results of the election are officially declared.
The decision was made in accordance with the Election Security Management Directive, 2078, based on the election security plan approved by the High-Level Election Security Committee formed under Clause 3 of the directive. After reviewing the overall security situation and assessing ground realities, the Commission directed the Ministry of Home Affairs Nepal to implement the ban.
The Commission has instructed the Home Ministry to ensure full compliance with the election code of conduct by directing Chief District Officers and security agencies in all districts. District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees have also been instructed to mobilize designated personnel and mechanisms to prevent prohibited activities under the Election (Offences and Punishment) Act, 2073, and the Election Code of Conduct, 2082. Immediate legal action must be taken against violators, and the Commission must be informed accordingly.
Vehicle Movement Restrictions
On the day of voting, essential service vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, hearses, blood transport vehicles, security forces’ vehicles, electricity maintenance vehicles, and drinking water and sewage maintenance vehicles will be allowed to operate without obstruction.
Similarly, vehicles used for telecommunications maintenance, diplomatic missions, and those with special passes issued for election purposes will be permitted to operate. However, both public and private vehicles will be prohibited from operating from midnight of Falgun 20 until the completion of voting on the evening of Falgun 21.
Domestic and international flights will operate as usual on election day. Arrangements have been made to facilitate passengers with valid tickets to travel between the airport and their homes or hotels. Travelers may use private vehicles or vehicles provided by the respective airlines for transport to and from the airport.
Documents Required for Voting
According to the House of Representatives Member Election (Voting) Directive, 2082, voters can cast their ballots by presenting their voter ID card or Nepali citizenship certificate.
Alternatively, voters may present a national identity card, passport, land ownership certificate, or driving license at the polling center. Any one of these documents will be sufficient for voting.
The Commission also stated that security personnel, election staff, and concerned stakeholders will be informed that voters whose names appear on the voter list will be eligible to cast their votes.
On election day, a vehicle pass distribution unit will be established within the premises of the Election Commission Secretariat to issue vehicle passes. Two staff members from the Election Commission and two from the Kathmandu District Administration Office will be assigned to manage the unit.
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