KATHMANDU: The Nepali Army began nationwide troop deployment from today to bolster election security ahead of the March 5 polls, as authorities designate more polling stations as security-sensitive compared to the previous election.

A total of 79,727 army personnel will be deployed under the Integrated Election Security Plan to assist the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and election police, Army spokesperson Rajaram Basnet said. The army will guard airports, prisons and other sensitive installations, provide third-layer security at polling stations, and conduct patrols as required.

Overall, around 338,000 security personnel, including 150,000 temporary election police, will be deployed during the election period.

Security agencies have classified 3,680 out of 10,967 polling stations as “highly sensitive,” up from 3,412 in the 2022 election. Another 4,442 stations are marked “sensitive,” while 2,845 are considered “normal.”

Madhesh Province has the highest proportion of highly sensitive polling stations, with 1,246 out of 2,160, followed by Koshi Province with 449 out of 1,907. In the Kathmandu Valley, 12 out of 527 polling stations have been designated highly sensitive.

Authorities cite past conflicts, difficult terrain, and recent unrest following the September Gen Z movement as key factors behind the heightened security assessment. The government says army deployment is necessary to prevent security lapses, particularly as some looted weapons from last year’s unrest remain unaccounted for.

Nepal Police said election security preparations are in the final stage, with temporary election police to be deployed from February 10.