Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has authorized the mobilization of the Nepali Army for the upcoming local-level by-elections, scheduled for December 1. The decision aims to ensure a safe, peaceful, and fair electoral process for the 42 vacant seats across the country.

The approval was granted under Article 66 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal, as confirmed by Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, spokesperson for the President's Office. This follows the Cabinet’s recommendation on November 21 to deploy army personnel to support security arrangements during the elections.

Election Code of Conduct
The Election Commission (EC) has reiterated the importance of adhering to the electoral code of conduct. In a press release, EC spokesperson Nita Pokharel Aryal urged political parties, candidates, and stakeholders to comply with the rules, including restrictions on unauthorized vehicle use during the election period.

The EC also addressed complaints about the use of loudspeakers for electoral publicity, instructing local administrations to take action against violations. The Commission emphasized its commitment to ensuring a free and fair election process, with strict enforcement of the code of conduct.

This deployment marks a significant move to bolster security for the by-elections and maintain order, underscoring the importance of fair and transparent democratic processes in Nepal.