Three polling stations highly sensitive in Tanahun-1

By Amar Raj Naharki ,Tanahun, Apr. 15: Three of 69 polling stations in Tanahun-1 constituency have been assessed as the 'highly sensitive' in view of the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) by-election. 

The by-election is being held in three constituencies--Tanahu-1, Bara-2 and Chitwan-2 on April 23. 

The District Election Security Coordinating Committee said that during the on-site inspection of the polling stations, it was found that three polling stations of the district were found highly sensitive. 

The committee has categorised the polling stations in Tanahun as normal, sensitive and highly sensitive in terms of security challenges. 

Committee Coordinator and Chief District Officer (CDO) Chhabilal Rijal informed that of the 69 polling stations, three were categorised as highly sensitive, 24 as sensitive and 42 as normal in terms of security.

Rijal informed that the polling stations were categorised based on the incidents of past elections, party competition and geographical conditions, among others. 

According to the committee, security arrangements will be made based on the conditions of the polling station. 

CDO Rijal informed that necessary safety measures would be taken to safely transport the ballot boxes from the polling stations to the counting stations. 

Similarly, arrangements have been made for security and other aspects in the polling stations which were categorised as sensitive places, he added. 

"We have made proper security arrangements so that the voters can cast their votes in a peaceful and fearless environment," said Rijal. 

According to the committee, the geographical conditions, availability of transportation services, district boundaries and other issues were considered while categorising the polling stations. 

"Nepal Police, Myadi Police and mobile teams of Nepal Army and Armed Police Force will be mobilised at the polling stations," said Awadesh Bista, Chief of District Police Office, Tanahu. 

Chief of District Election Office Hari Prasad Dhakal said that 760 employees would be mobilised for the by-election, including one polling officer, one assistant polling officers and two assistant employees each in 152 polling centres of 69 polling stations.

The seat of HoR member of Tanahun-1 has fallen vacant after Ram Chandra Paudel, who was elected to the HoR in November 20, 2022 election from the constituency, was elected President on March 9.