KATHMANDU, Feb 10: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has instructed the Nepal Army to maintain heightened vigilance to ensure the upcoming elections are conducted in a safe and fraud-free environment.
Inaugurating the Division Commanders’ Coordination Meeting at the Army Headquarters on Tuesday, PM Karki warned security agencies against any weakness, stressing the sensitivity of election security.
Referring to coordination gaps seen among security bodies in past elections, Karki said such shortcomings must not be repeated this time. She urged authorities to carry out a detailed assessment of previous experiences and emerging challenges and to strengthen inter-agency coordination.
Leaders concerned over ‘security lapses’
“Conduct a thorough analysis of past lessons and the multiple dimensions of the upcoming polls, and ensure effective coordination among security agencies,” she said, adding that flawless execution of election security has become an urgent necessity.
Expressing confidence in the army’s professionalism, the prime minister said the Nepal Army would fulfil its responsibilities with the same excellence it has demonstrated in the past.
She noted that the army’s role would be crucial in guaranteeing public safety and enhancing the effectiveness of police administration during the electoral process. Creating an environment in which political parties can carry out their activities without obstruction is the primary duty of the security apparatus, she added.
“All political forces must be able to operate freely,” Karki said, instructing agencies to move forward with a clear action plan in coordination with other state bodies.
