BIRATNAGAR: All preparations have been completed in Koshi Province for the House of Representatives member election tomorrow (March 5).

According to the Provincial Election Office, all technical and administrative tasks — from setting up polling stations to deploying security personnel — have been completed. Provincial Election Officer Chola Raj Dangal informed Nepal News that physical arrangements have been completed at most polling centers, and the remaining minor tasks will be finalized by Wednesday evening.

Ballot papers, ballot boxes, staff, and security personnel required for the election have already reached the polling centers. Dangal has appealed to voters to participate fearlessly in the voting process, describing the election as a celebration of democracy.

A polling station set up inside Janpath School, Biratnagar 11.

Tight security arrangements: 35,000 police personnel deployed

To ensure a fear-free election, a special security strategy has been implemented in Koshi Province. A total of 35,000 security personnel have been directly deployed across the province, including 12,000 Nepal Police officers and 23,000 temporary police personnel. Out of 1,907 polling stations, 439 have been categorized as “highly sensitive” and 821 as “sensitive,” with enhanced security measures in place at these locations.

Jhapa-5 has been placed on the police’s “high-profile” sensitive list. Keeping in view the potential tensions that could arise in this area, an additional special team of 100 personnel has been deployed.

Police officers on duty. File photo.

Koshi Province Police Chief Deputy Inspector General (GIG) Binod Ghimire says, “We have analyzed potential risks and strengthened the security perimeter accordingly. The current situation is fully under control. An environment has been ensured where voters can cast their votes without fear.”

Jhapa-5 has drawn national and international attention. DIG Ghimire says, “We have adopted special vigilance after assessing the possible tensions there. At present, the situation is completely under control.”

 ‘Cyber Desk’ to tackle digital challenges

In this election, the police have identified rumors spread through social media — rather than physical clashes — as the main challenge. “There may be attempts to disrupt the environment instantly through social media,” says DIG Ghimire. “Therefore, we have established a cyber desk at the provincial level to closely monitor digital activities.”

DIG Ghimire claims that the security perimeter has been strengthened in coordination with the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department. “Except for minor tension seen in Jhapa on the day of candidate registration, no serious incidents have occurred elsewhere,” he said. “Overall, the security situation is satisfactory. We have ensured an environment where voters can cast their votes with confidence.”

The police have stated that even minor incidents will be taken seriously, and mobile teams along with reserve forces have been kept on standby to respond immediately.

Police officers on duty. File photo.

In districts such as Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, and Taplejung, natural challenges are expected, rather than other common hurdles. “Snowfall, rain, and cold weather may disrupt transportation. In some areas, communication networks may not function at all, for which satellite phones have been arranged. In remote regions, there may also be a need to use helicopters to transport election materials,” says DIG Ghimire.

Employees inside the polling station.

Koshi Province shares a 427-kilometer border with India and a 258-kilometer border with China. For border security, counterpart meetings have been held with Indian security agencies in Jhapa, Sunsari, and Morang, according to the police.

There are 495 candidates in Koshi Province. Koshi, which has 28 electoral constituencies, has a total of 3,574,310 voters. A total of 4,270 polling centers have been arranged in the province.

Security personnel deployed outside the polling station.