KATHMANDU, Jan 31: With the election just weeks away, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has intensified surveillance at polling centers deemed highly sensitive across the country. The enhanced monitoring began a month ahead of polling day, reflecting growing security concerns in specific locations.
Out of 10,967 polling locations designated nationwide, as many as 3,680 polling centers have been classified as highly sensitive and placed under additional surveillance. Another 4,442 polling centers have been listed as sensitive based on an assessment of potential security threats.
Most of the polling centers under heightened watch are located in the Tarai region. “Some constituencies and polling centers have been under security surveillance from as early as a month before the election,” a senior MoHA official said, indicating early preparedness in sensitive areas.
Based on security risk assessments, polling centers have been categorized into three tiers—normal, sensitive, and highly sensitive. Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force (APF) have already begun gathering ground-level intelligence on the situation at highly sensitive polling centers.
According to the MoHA, polling centers have been placed on the highly sensitive list primarily due to geographical remoteness, a history of violent incidents and other security risks. Security arrangements have been tightened in districts including Kathmandu, Dolakha, Sindhuli, Jhapa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Rupandehi, Banke, Bardiya, Chitwan, Morang, Sunsari and Kaski, among others.
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Madhesh Province accounts for the highest number of highly sensitive polling centers, totaling 1,246. It is followed by Sudurpaschim Province with 481, Lumbini Province with 462, Koshi Province with 439, Karnali Province with 358, Gandaki Province with 328, and Bagmati Province with 44 such centers. The Kathmandu Valley alone has 12 highly sensitive polling centers, most of them located in remote areas of Lalitpur, the ministry said.
In terms of deployment, a polling center with a single polling unit classified as highly sensitive will be guarded by three Nepal Police personnel and 10 election police personnel. For additional polling units, two Nepal Police personnel and four election police personnel will be deployed per unit. Sensitive polling centers will receive a baseline deployment of three Nepal Police personnel and six election police personnel, with proportional increases as needed. At normal polling centers, up to two polling units will be secured by four Nepal Police personnel and nine election police personnel. The APF and the Nepali Army will also be mobilized as part of the broader security arrangement.
To ensure voters can reach polling centers safely, particularly in vulnerable areas, the MoHA has also introduced a coordination-focused approach involving ward-level political party officials and respected community members. The initiative aims to conduct the election in a free, fair, and fear-free environment.
Recognizing the role of political parties, civil society, the media, the private sector, and intellectuals in the electoral process, the ministry has prepared a policy document titled “Concept on Enhancing Coordination and Cooperation up to the Ward Level for Systematic Election Management, 2082 BS.” The concept paper has already been circulated to District Administration Offices nationwide.
MoHA Spokesperson Ananda Kafle said the concept seeks to promote a sense of ownership by involving ward-level political figures, office-bearers, and community leaders in election management, thereby strengthening trust and ensuring a peaceful polling environment.
Chief District Officers and members of District Security Committees have been assigned responsibility for implementing the concept, while the MoHA and central offices of security agencies will oversee monitoring and supervision.
The concept also outlines practical coordination measures, including identifying key individuals at the ward level, organizing meetings during on-site inspections of polling centers, maintaining regular telephone contact through Chief District Officers and security officials, disseminating information via group SMS, and holding virtual discussions and interactions as needed.
APF’s election-focused conference
Meanwhile, the APF has convened senior officers in Kathmandu for an election security-focused briefing. Organized as a Senior Officers’ Conference, the meeting urged brigade commanders to remain vigilant and prepared for deployment under all circumstances.
APF Inspector General Raju Aryal instructed personnel assigned to the March 5 election to maintain strict neutrality, avoid alignment with any political party, remain in necessary contact with candidates and exercise heightened security vigilance to ensure the election is conducted peacefully and fairly.
He further directed field commanders to prioritize the prevention of human casualties and to maintain continuous coordination and cooperation with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders. The APF will serve as the second security ring in the overall election security framework.
