Meetings were held with stakeholders regarding the overall election situation, security preparations, and ensuring a peaceful environment. A team of the Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC), along with national observer Govinda Bandi of the Election Observation Committee Nepal (NEOC), met with the Chief District Officer Jagadishwar Prasad Upadhyay at the District Administration Office, Surkhet, on March 3 to gather information about the pre-election situation in the district.
Similarly, INSEC held meetings with DIG Jayaraj Sapkota, Chief of the Province Police Office, and SP Sudhirraj Shahi, Chief of the District Police Office, Surkhet, to obtain information regarding the pre-election situation across the province.
During the meetings, discussions were held on the overall peace and security situation of the district, sensitivity classification of polling stations, security deployment, adherence to the silent period, and potential challenges, INSEC Karnali Province Office Coordinator Narayan Subedi informed.
The security agencies conveyed that necessary security arrangements have been made to conduct the election fearlessly, impartially, and peacefully.
Chief District Officer Upadhyay stated that all parties, administration, security agencies, and stakeholders are working in a coordinated manner to ensure a clean and credible election. He informed that the necessary personnel have been deployed at polling stations, sensitive security areas have been identified, and regular monitoring is being conducted.
SP Shahi reported that Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, Election Police, and the Nepali Army have been deployed at all polling stations in the district. DIG Jayaraj Sapkota, Chief of the Province Police Office, stated that security strategies are being effectively implemented at the provincial level as well, and strict measures have been taken to prevent any undesirable activities. He also highlighted that special attention should be given by monitoring organizations to districts such as Kalikot, Jumla, Rukum West, and Dolpa.
National observer Govinda Bandi stated that monitoring will be conducted regarding the cleanliness, impartiality, and human rights situation of the election, and he urged all parties to adhere to the code of conduct.
As the election approaches, security monitoring has been increased in Surkhet and other districts of Karnali Province, and coordinated discussions among stakeholders have been intensified.