KATHMANDU: The Nepali Army (NA) asserted that as in the previous elections, a joint security team would transport ballot boxes to the counting centers after the voting is over for March 5 House of Representatives elections.

Issuing a statement here Sunday, the NA’s Directorate of Public Relations and Information, NA said that as in previous elections, a joint team consisting of the Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, the Election Officer, designated representatives of political parties and the NA would transport the ballot boxes from the polling stations to the respective counting centers in line with the existing protocols.

The NA reminded of its mobilization in all elections held since 2048 BS, mentioning that it has been shouldering responsibilities such as guarding the ballot papers printing centers, transporting the ballot papers and escorting the ballot boxes to the enumeration centers following the voting. The NA also appraised of its role in discharging duties such as transporting ballot papers from Kathmandu to election offices in all districts, providing third-tier of security and protecting the ballot boxes and transporting them to designated counting centers once the voting is over.

To ensure that the upcoming election is held safely, the NA reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate and coordinate with the concerned agencies as per the Integrated Security Plan in place. It may be noted that the election security arrangements are being executed in accordance with the House of Representatives Member Election Act-2074 BS and the House of Representatives Member Election Integrated Security Plan-2082 BS.