Jan 29, Kathmandu - Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said that the government is giving high priority to strengthening election security and creating a fear-free environment.

Having reached the Election Commission on Thursday to get information about the preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives elections to be held on Falgun 21, he stated that the government is determined to take strict action against anyone who tries to disrupt peace and security.

Home Minister Aryal informed that reliable security arrangements have been made for voters, political parties, candidates, employees and security personnel. For this, he said that the ministry has drawn up a special security plan in coordination with the election schedule. "I have already instructed the local administration and security chiefs to adopt a zero-tolerance policy for criminal and anti-election activities," he said.

During the discussion, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari informed that the managerial preparations required by the commission for the election have been completed. He clarified that the commission will take a tough stance against activities that are against the constitution, law and code of conduct and that no kind of impunity will be accepted.

High-ranking officials including election commissioners, the secretary of the Election Commission and the Ministry of Home Affairs were present in the discussion. The discussions focused on ensuring that the elections are held in a fair, transparent and fear-free environment, informed commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai.