Borders to be sealed for 72 hours before elections

The government has decided to seal the border entry points with India and China for 72 hours prior to the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5. 

A meeting of the Senior Election Security Committee made the decision to this effect in line with Section 6, Clause (i) of the Election Security (Management) Directive, 2025.

The  Committee said the move is aimed at maintaining peace and security during the elections .

Concerned authorities will carry out all specified security-related tasks to ensure a safe and orderly voting process, the Committee added. 

The Election Commission has urged all stakeholders to provide necessary facilitation and coordination to implement the decision effectively. 

Alcohol sales banned till election period

The sale, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages have been banned for the entire election period.

The Election Security Committee made the decision to this effect.

The ban will take effect seven days before voting day and remain in place until the final election results are announced.

Voting is scheduled to begin at 7 am on March 5.

The Committee, formed under the Election Security (Management) Directive 2021, said the restriction is part of the election security plan to ensure a free and fair voting environment.

The Election Commission said that additional measures have also been adopted to conduct the polls in a free and fair manner.

Meanwhile, election campaigning will be prohibited from midnight on Mrach 5.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed chief district officers and security agencies to strictly enforce the election code of conduct.

District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees have been activated to prevent violations under the Election (Offences and Punishments) Act, 2016 and the Election Code of Conduct, 2025.

On voting day, the operation of public and private vehicles will be banned from midnight on March 4 until the evening of March 5.

Only essential service vehicles, diplomatic mission vehicles and those with special passes will be allowed to operate.

Essential services include ambulances, fire engines, hearses, blood transfusion vehicles and vehicles used for security, electricity, water and telecommunications repairs.

Govt to cover treatment of security personnel injured on duty during polls

The government has decided to bear the expenses of the medical treatment for the security personnel injured during the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.

A Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday made the decision to this effect, government spokesperson and Minister for Home Affairs Om Prakash Aryal said. 

He further said that the government has also decided to provide financial assistance to the families of the security personnel who lose their lives in line of duty during the election period.

 

Folk singer Kamal Nirmohi dies

Folk singer Kamal Nirmohi passed away  on Tuesday evening after suffering from kidney disease.

Born in Dang, Nirmohi was living in Nepalgunj.

He is also a former employee of Radio Nepal.

His most popular songs include Lagyo Maya Mohini Nazarma, Pokharama Kya Jaara Rupatal, Dunga Chadhi Salal Mayajaal and others.

He has also lent his voice to folk pop and modern songs.

Nirmohi is survived by his son and two daughters in his family.

He lost his wife a few months back.

It has been learnt that the funeral will be held on Wednesday afternoon at Sidhaniyaghat, Dang, on the Rapti River.