No vehicle pass required for essential services on election day

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has announced special arrangements for the upcoming House of Representatives election on March 5, allowing certain voters and essential services to operate vehicles without a pass.

At its meeting on Feb 28, the commission decided that while public transport will be suspended on polling day, vehicles carrying essential services or serving specific groups will be exempted from restrictions.

According to EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, flights—both domestic and international—will operate as usual, and vehicles involved in election operations or carrying sensitive materials are permitted movement.

The exemption applies to fire trucks, ambulances, hearse vehicles, water tankers, milk, fruit, vegetable, fish, meat, and petroleum transport vehicles.

Additionally, vehicles used by telecommunications, water, electricity, and sewer maintenance services, as well as those used by doctors and healthcare workers commuting to hospitals, do not require a pass.

To ensure inclusivity, voters with mobility challenges, senior citizens, pregnant and postpartum women, and mothers with infants, along with one helper, can travel to and from polling stations without a pass. Vehicles carrying diplomats or those marked “CD” on license plates are also exempt.

The commission has eased restrictions for media and monitoring bodies as well. Observers with EC ID cards, national human rights monitoring teams, and journalists with valid press passes can operate vehicles to designated areas without a pass to facilitate reporting and oversight.

The vehicle restrictions will be in effect from midnight of March 4 until polling concludes on March 5.

The EC has urged citizens to avoid misuse of these exemptions and requested that only eligible vehicles and individuals utilize the facility.

In the Kathmandu Valley, a dedicated desk at the EC office, staffed by representatives from the Home Ministry and district administration, will issue passes. Outside the valley, passes can be obtained through the respective Chief District Officers with proper documentation.

The EC expressed confidence that these measures will make voting accessible for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and essential service providers, ensuring a smooth and inclusive electoral process.