Elections will be held nationwide in Nepal on Friday, May 13. This is the largest electoral event in the history of Nepal; over 200,000 security personnel will be deployed to help ensure safety and security.
The Government of Nepal will prohibit public transportation and private cars, trucks, motorcycles, and scooters from driving on roads on election day. Vehicle restrictions will begin at midnight and continue for a full 24 hours.
Most businesses will be closed on election day. If you do decide to walk on the streets, carry your identification card and be aware of your surroundings. If you are out and encounter a security roadblock, please keep in mind that some officials may not have received complete information on what is permissible and may act on their own accord. Do not engage in argumentative or combative behavior if challenged or told that you cannot access a certain area.
Protests or security incidents may occur throughout the country, particularly near polling stations and political party offices. There have been dozens of violent pre-election security incidents to date, most involving clashes between party cadres. While authorities have declared elections will be safe, law enforcement officials have highlighted some security concerns, including the potential for the following:
- Anti-election activities such as demonstrations, rallies, blockades, clashes, and strikes
- Violence and use of weapons and explosives by various groups
- Fake bombs and calls that spread misinformation
- Border intrusions
- Availability and mobilization of manpower and resources
- Tendency to politicize ordinary events
- Occupying polling stations, looting ballot boxes, tearing ballot papers, and disrupting polling or counting
- Violent activities from the CK-led Janmat Party
- Activities from ethnic and communal groups, including the Mongol National Organization
- Anti-election activities resulting from differences in the Biplav faction
Small political factions not participating in the electoral process could potentially attempt to use IEDs to target election related sites, events, and candidates. Unfortunately, these threats can be difficult for authorities to track and identify, and the placement of devices has been unpredictable. Should you see a suspicious device, leave the area immediately and report the device to local security forces.
Transportation to/from Tribuvhan International Airport
The Nepal Tourism Board and Tourist Police have sought and received special exemptions to use green-plated tourist vehicles for transportation to/from Tribuvhan International Airport in Kathmandu. Shuttle bus services will be available for a Rs 300/ person fee from the airport to certain hotels.
ROUTE 1:
AIRPORT – NAC – HOTEL ANNAPURNA – HOTEL YAK AND YETI – THAMEL CHOWK – LAINCHAUR – SHANKER HOTEL – AMBASSADOR HOTEL – AIRPORT
ROUTE 2:
AIRPORT – HOTEL RADISSON – SHANGRI-LA HOTEL – NARAYAN GOPAL CHOWK – MAHARAJGUNJ CHOWK – HYATT REGENCY – CHABAHIL CHOWK – DWARIKAS HOTEL – AIRPORT
ROUTE 3:
AIRPORT – TEENKUNE CHOWK – HOTEL EVEREST – MAITIGHAR CHOWK – HOTEL HIMALAYA – SOALTEE HOTEL – GRAND HOTEL – AIRPORT
For further information on departure schedules, travelers may contact:
- Bharat Prasad Timalsina – +977-9851237302 Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association
- Kedarnath Kattel – +977-9851077468 Nepal Tourist Vehicle Association
- Milan Nepal – +977-9851148057 Tourist Bus Association of Nepal
- Prahlad Lohani – +977-9851093998 Tourist Bus Association of Nepal