Essential Service Vehicles Exempted from Permit Requirement on Election Day
The Election Commission has clarified that vehicles carrying essential goods and providing critical services will not require permits to operate on the day of the House of Representatives election on March 5.
According to the Commission, vehicles transporting drinking water, milk, fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, and petroleum products will be allowed to move without restriction to ensure an uninterrupted supply of daily necessities. The provision is outlined in the Vehicle Permit Procedures, 2082.
The Commission also stated that vehicles used for telecommunication, electricity, drinking water, and sewage maintenance, as well as hospital services, including the movement of doctors and health workers between home and workplace, will be exempt from permit requirements.
However, it has recommended to the Government of Nepal that such vehicles be used strictly for their intended purposes and should not carry unrelated passengers.
Passengers traveling to and from airports for domestic and international flights will also be allowed to commute without passes. Similarly, vehicles assisting pregnant women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens unable to walk, and one accompanying helper will be permitted to operate freely.
Vehicles belonging to diplomatic missions bearing ‘CD’ number plates, election observers carrying identity cards issued by the Commission (within designated areas), monitoring teams from the National Human Rights Commission, and media personnel with valid press passes will also be allowed smooth movement on election day.
To manage vehicle operations, an integrated vehicle movement desk has been set up at the Commission’s premises with representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the District Administration Offices. The desk will oversee coordination and issue necessary passes.
Vehicle passes authorized by the District Administration Offices of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur are being distributed through the same facility to streamline arrangements and avoid confusion among service providers.
