KATHMANDU, August 20: The Election Commission (EC) has urged the government to arrange fool-proof security for the third round of local elections scheduled for September 18 in Province 2.
Issuing a directive to the government and the Ministry of Home Affairs, a board meeting of the election body on Friday asked the line ministries and agencies concerned to ensure fool-proof security.
In its directive, the election body has asked the police administration to confiscate improvised exclusive devices (IED), home-made weapons, sharp-edged weapons, and sticks among others.
Security chiefs assure foolproof security
The local administration is also asked to take licensed weapons under its control until the elections are over and completely prohibit the production, selling and consumption of alcohols.
The election body has also mandated the security agencies to take individuals with criminal background and other suspects into control and maintain free and fair electoral environment during the elections.
Similarly, issuing a 17-point instruction to the government, the Election Commission has urged the government to provide details about available academic institutions and workforces in the province. The EC believes arranging election will be easier after getting details about schools and colleges and human resources.
The local administrators are told to halt academic activities including regular teaching starting from September 12 and continue it until the election is over.
Government officials are also asked to keep records of vehicles, communication equipment, and other physical infrastructures. Also, the election body has urged airlines companies to give priority to poll officers while arranging flights.
After successful local elections in all provinces other than Province 2, the EC is now focused on making the final round of election a success. Local election for 136 local units will take place in eight districts of Province 2 on September 18.
