Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The government has enforced a nationwide prohibition on the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages effective from today, as part of tightened election security measures for the upcoming polls scheduled on February 21.
The decision was taken by the High-Level Election Security Committee formed under Clause 3 of the Election Security (Management) Directive, 2078 (2021). According to the Election Commission, the ban will remain in force from seven days prior to the polling date until the final election results are officially announced.
Voting is set to begin at 7:00 am on February 21.
The Commission stated that the move aims to ensure a free, fair, credible, and fear-free electoral environment across the country. The decision was based on security assessments, situational analysis, and recommendations made during the committee’s meeting under the national election security plan.
As per the committee’s decision, election campaigning will be officially prohibited from 12:00 midnight on February 18. The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all Chief District Officers and security agencies nationwide to strictly enforce the election code of conduct during this silence period.
District-level Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees have also been mobilized to prevent violations under Section 24 of the Election (Offences and Punishment) Act, 2017 and Clauses 17 and 18 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082. Authorities have been instructed to take immediate legal action against any prohibited activities and report incidents directly to the Election Commission.
On the day of voting, restrictions will also apply to the operation of public and private vehicles. Except for essential service vehicles, diplomatic missions, and those granted special election passes, all other vehicles will be barred from operating.
This restriction will be effective from 12:00 midnight on February 20 until the completion of voting on the evening of February 21.
Essential service vehicles permitted to operate include:
The Election Commission emphasized that strict enforcement of these measures is critical to maintaining public order, minimizing electoral malpractice, and safeguarding democratic integrity during the polling process.
Authorities have urged the public, political parties, candidates, and businesses to fully comply with the restrictions to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.
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