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Nepal Deploys Army Nationwide for March Parliamentary Election Security

Nepal has deployed its Army to maintain security nationwide with just a month remaining until the March 5 parliamentary elections. A total of 79,727 army personnel will be mobilized to support police forces under an Integrated Election Security Plan endorsed by the president. Authorities have classified 3,680 of the country's 10,967 polling stations as "highly sensitive," an increase from the previous election. The deployment decision follows the Gen-Z protests of September and aims to ensure the polls are held peacefully.

Key Points: Nepal Army Deployed for Election Security Ahead of March Polls

  • Army deployed for election security
  • 79,727 personnel mobilized
  • 3,680 polling stations "highly sensitive"
  • Security plan endorsed by president
  • Deployment follows September Gen-Z protests
2 min read

With just a month left for parliamentary polls, Nepal deploys Army to maintain security

Nepal mobilizes nearly 80,000 army personnel to secure sensitive polling stations for the March 5 parliamentary election, following Gen-Z protests.

"Army personnel has been deployed for the election security and will remain in place until the procedure completes - Rajaram Basnet"

Kathmandu, February 4

Nepal has deployed it Army to maintain security as the Himalayan nation heads for the parliamentary election which is just a month away. The parliamentary election after the Gen-Z protest of September is scheduled for March 5.

As per the government officials and Army personnel the decision comes in wake of the September's Gen-Z protest and higher number of polling stations deemed sensitive in comparison to the previous elections.

As per the Nepal Army spokesperson, a total of 79,727 personnel are to be mobilized across the nation as support for the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and election police in holding the polls peacefully.

"The deployment comes in line with the Integrated Election Security Plan and an earlier Cabinet decision. Army personnel has been deployed for the election security and will remain in place until the procedure completes," Rajaram Basnet, Spokesperson of Nepal Army told ANI over phone.

As per the Integrated Election Security Plan endorsed by the president in November, the army will replace police forces in airports, prisons, and other sensitive areas. Apart from guarding those sensitive areas, the army will provide security in the third layer while also patrolling as and when needed.

As many as 338,000 security personnel, including the election police, are being deployed in the election period. The authorities have classified 3,680 of the country's 10,967 polling stations as "highly sensitive".

According to the Nepal Police, among those polling stations, 2,845 have been placed in the "normal" category based on the level of security risk, while 4,442 have been designated as "sensitive" and 3,680 as "highly sensitive".

There are more highly sensitive stations than in the 2022 election, according to Nepal Police data.

In the previous election, 3,412 polling stations were classified as highly sensitive. This time, the number has risen to 3,680. In total, 268 more polling stations, compared to the last election, have been classified under the highly sensitive stations.

In the previous election, there were a total of 10,892 polling stations. This time, the number has increased to 10,967.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
The increase in "highly sensitive" polling stations is concerning. It shows the underlying tensions haven't fully cooled down after the Gen-Z protests. Wishing our Nepali brothers and sisters a peaceful and fair election process.
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Aman W
Deploying nearly 80,000 army personnel is a massive move. While security is paramount, one hopes it doesn't intimidate ordinary voters. The focus should remain on allowing people to cast their vote without fear.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see the detailed security layering - army in the third layer, guarding sensitive areas. It's a well-planned operation. Hope it ensures safety without overshadowing the democratic festival.
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Vikram M
As a neighbour, we have a vested interest in Nepal's stability. The army deployment, while large, seems to be following a clear plan endorsed by the President. The key will be their conduct - they must be seen as protectors of the process, not a political tool. Fingers crossed for a successful election.
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Kriti O
Respectfully, while security is important, such a heavy militarization of the election process can sometimes send the wrong message. The goal should be to address the root causes of the "sensitivity" – the public discontent – not just police the symptoms. Hope the next government focuses on that.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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