Acting Early on Election Security

With the House of Representatives election set for March 5 drawing near, the government has moved early to tighten security across the country. A Central Security Command Post has now been set up under the Home Secretary following a National Security Council decision. As per the decision, senior officials from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and the National Investigation Department will sit together to steer election security from a single command centre. At the Home Ministry, a Central Joint Election Cell has also begun work to ensure daily coordination and real-time information sharing. This setup follows the rollout of an integrated security plan that all four agencies and district administrations have already put into action. Similar command posts and election cells are active in all seven provinces, led by chief secretaries, with district-level mechanisms operating under chief district officers. On the ground, Nepal Police are responsible for general security, the army will guard ballot boxes, and the Armed Police Force will cover all constituencies through a second security ring. Mobile teams, quick response units and reserve forces are on standby. Security bases are being set up well ahead of polling day, with full deployment planned for the final two weeks.

Stepping up security at this stage deserves praise. The country is still grappling with the fallout from the unrest of September last year. Many looted weapons remain unaccounted for, and several inmates who escaped during the September Gen Z protests have yet to be rearrested. These two factors raise genuine concerns about polling day safety. Elections carry high stakes for public trust and political renewal, and no state can afford to take chances when weapons and fugitives are still at large. Acknowledging these risks openly is a practical move. Past elections have shown that even small lapses can escalate quickly, especially in tense districts. By placing all agencies under a single command structure, the government has reduced the risk of miscommunication caused by confusion and mixed signals. Meanwhile, real-time intelligence sharing will help security teams act early rather than react late. However, planning alone will not guarantee peaceful polls. The effectiveness of the security plan will ultimately depend on its implementation and execution. Deployed personnel must exercise restraint, sound judgment and professionalism. Visible security patrols in sensitive areas can also reassure the public that the government has taken concrete steps to restore order.

Another critical factor is coordination at the local level. Chief district officers play a key role in connecting security arrangements with local governments and communities during polling. Strong district-level leadership can prevent rumours, resolve last-minute problems and ensure polling centres remain accessible and orderly. Regular public updates on security measures, arrests related to illegal weapons and efforts to track down escapees can further build trust. Silence, by contrast, breeds speculation and fear. Clear and timely information helps calm nerves and discourages those with malicious intent from exploiting uncertainty. As the March 5 poll approaches, the early security push has sent a positive signal to voters. It suggests that the state recognises the risks and is prepared to act before trouble arises. The real test, however, will come on polling day—when voters step out without fear, cast their ballots freely and return home safely.