Kathmandu, 23 Feb: Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has urged voters to cast their ballots without fear in the upcoming House of Representatives election, stating that the Government of Nepal has put in place strong security arrangements.
Speaking to Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), he said, “The government’s top priority is to conduct the election on the scheduled date. Therefore, we have made security arrangements tight and robust, which are considered essential for a free and fair election. We urge all voters to vote confidently and peacefully.”
He mentioned that the government has deployed personnel ranging from election police to the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force Nepal, and the National Investigation Department. An integrated security plan has been implemented to strengthen security across the country based on sensitivity assessments.
He informed that election-related command posts are operating at provincial and district levels through the central command post, and election cells have been mobilized as envisioned by the integrated security plan. The Home Administration has been analyzing the situation, needs, and challenges on a daily basis. Responding to a question, Minister Aryal said that some recent sporadic clashes and incidents would not affect the election.
He added that those incidents are under control and are being handled by the Home Administration in a way that will not disrupt the election.
Security Concerns Addressed After Genji Movement
Minister Aryal clarified that escaped prisoners and looted weapons during the Genji movement in the last week of Bhadra no longer pose a security challenge.
“We have already recovered most of the weapons and brought back most of the escaped inmates. We are working even harder than before to bring back those who are still outside. Security personnel have been mobilized everywhere, and we have requested concerned individuals to inform authorities if they have any information. So far, there have been no reports of further crimes committed by those who escaped or of the looted weapons being used. There is no longer such insecurity,” he said.
In response to another question, he made it clear that the government has no option to avoid holding the election on Falgun 21. As the current government is primarily an election government, it has placed the election as its top priority. He noted that the Constitution mandates that elections must be held within six months of the dissolution of Parliament, leaving no room for the government or anyone else to evade the polls.
“This election is, in a way, a test of our commitment. We have taken an oath to conduct timely and fair elections and to hand over power to an elected government through democratic processes. There is no question of postponing the election,” he said. “We have brought all kinds of situations under control and completed all necessary procedures for conducting the election. With only a few days left before voting, no one should harbor doubts or fears about the election not taking place.”
He further stated that any narrative seeking to postpone the election or create such a situation would be neutralized by the state mechanism, and the government would move forward with public support and cooperation.
Commitment to Constitutional Process and Democratic Transition
Minister Aryal emphasized that the government was formed to fill a constitutional vacuum and fully restore constitutional order. He noted that the President fixed the election date of Falgun 21 in accordance with the constitutional provision requiring elections within six months of Parliament’s dissolution. “We have sworn to protect and abide by the Constitution. Accordingly, we must prove our commitment by conducting the election on time. None of us has the option to deviate from this,” he said.
He added that the government is working to uphold the rule of law, promote good governance, strengthen public service delivery, and win the trust of the people. The government, he said, is acting not as a ruler but as a facilitator, coordinating at the state level.
Recalling that the election process began the day after the government was formed by contacting the Election Commission Nepal to update the voter list and undertake other preparations, he said the voting day is now near and voters can participate confidently.
“Just as this government was formed under special circumstances, this election is also being held in a unique situation. Everyone must contribute from their respective roles to ensure timely elections and the transfer of power to an elected democratic government,” he said.
Minister Aryal noted that after the difficult circumstances created by the Genji movement in late Bhadra, the government worked hard, in consensus with political parties and stakeholders, to create an environment where people can vote without fear. He stressed that the government has been giving utmost priority to making the election successful and that the world is watching how Nepal conducts this timely election despite challenges.
“This election will choose the right representatives and further strengthen and make the democratic system more inclusive. Therefore, we urge all citizens to participate peacefully and non-violently and cast their votes without fear,” he said.
Minister Aryal had visited the central office of Rastriya Samachar Samiti at Bhadrakali Plaza today, where he observed and received information about its news production and distribution system.
