Alcohol Sale and Vehicular Movement Restricted for Election Period

The Election Commission Nepal has imposed a nationwide ban on the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages starting today and continuing until the final results of the ongoing election are officially announced. The restriction has been enforced as part of the Election Security Plan endorsed by the High-Level Election Security Committee formed under the Election Security Management Directives.

According to the Commission, the decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of the security situation and based on recommendations aimed at ensuring a peaceful, disciplined, and fair electoral environment. In line with this decision, directives have been issued to the Ministry of Home Affairs to implement the measures across the country.

The Home Ministry has instructed Chief District Officers and all security agencies to strictly enforce the election code of conduct. Authorities have been directed to ensure that prohibited activities are effectively monitored and controlled during the sensitive election period.

To strengthen compliance, District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees have been mobilized. These committees will deploy designated personnel and monitoring mechanisms to prevent violations as outlined in prevailing election laws. Officials have been authorized to take immediate legal action and report any breaches to the Commission without delay.

Despite the restrictions, the Commission has clarified that vehicles providing essential services will be allowed to operate without obstruction on voting day. These include ambulances, fire engines, hearses, blood transportation services, security agency vehicles, and those engaged in electricity, water supply, and sewage maintenance.

Vehicles assigned to telecommunication services, as well as those belonging to diplomatic missions and vehicles granted official election passes, will also be permitted to function normally.

The Commission has announced that all public and private vehicles, except those granted official permission, will be barred from operating from midnight on March 4 until voting concludes on March 5. The measure is intended to minimize unnecessary movement and maintain order around polling centres.

However, both international and domestic flights will operate as scheduled on Election Day. Special arrangements have been made to facilitate passengers travelling to and from airports. Individuals holding valid flight tickets will be allowed to travel between the airport and their residence or hotel. Airlines may also provide transport services for passengers when necessary.

Under the House of Representatives Member Election (Voting) Directives, voters will be allowed to cast their ballots by presenting a voter identification card or a Nepali citizenship certificate. In addition, other valid identification documents, such as a national identity card, passport, land ownership certificate, or driving licence, will also be accepted at polling stations.

To manage essential mobility, a special pass distribution unit will be set up at the Commission’s Secretariat to issue vehicle passes authorized for Election Day use.

The Commission has urged the public, political parties, and stakeholders to cooperate fully with the temporary restrictions, emphasizing that these measures are crucial to ensuring a secure, orderly, and credible electoral process.