KATHMANDU, Dec 12: The Armed Police Force (APF) has formulated a comprehensive 17-point operational policy to ensure the upcoming House of Representatives election is conducted in a transparent, fair, and fear-free environment.
According to the policy, the APF will be deployed across all electoral areas in a supportive role in coordination with other security agencies. Prior to deployment, personnel will undergo specialized election security training.
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To facilitate supervision, coordination, and assistance during the elections, the APF will establish ‘Election Cells’ at the central office as well as at each battalion headquarters as well as company and unit levels. The para military force will work in three teams; ‘mobile’, ‘striking’, and ‘quick-reaction’ particularly in sensitive areas ensuring to tackle any kind of security threat in the election.
A statement from the APF said, “Electoral maps at the provincial and district level have been prepared, highlighting key security points to ensure effective deployment. We will safeguard citizens’ voting rights and prevent any anti-election activity through intelligence gathering and planned operations.”
Personnel in quick-reaction units will be stationed in their areas from the day before voting until the day after the election, equipped with weapons, non-lethal tools, and vehicles. Overall command at the district level will rest with the district operational commander, who will coordinate with relevant authorities to maintain security.
Additionally, one month prior to the election, the APF will pre-position essential equipment and vehicles in electoral areas. Strike teams and mobile units will be fully operational 15 days before polling with all necessary resources. Battalion headquarters may, if needed, coordinate with Provincial Security Coordination Committees to adjust deployments, establishing provincial command posts and election cells with central approval.
