In line with the Election Commission’s recommendations, District Administration Offices and federal authorities have begun issuing notices pertaining to restrictions ahead of the local polls scheduled for 13th May, 2022.

International borders to be shut for 72 hours: 

All border entry points shared by Nepal with India and China will remain shut 72 hours ahead of the elections. International borders will remain shut from 12:00 AM (midnight) 10th May, 2022 to 11:59 PM 13th May, 2022. During the period, international border crossings will be prohibited, except for emergency services.

The Home Ministry has also said extra security personnel have been deployed along Nepal’s borders for extra surveillance.

Sale and consumption of liquor to be prohibited:

The Election Commission has also recommended prohibition on sale and consumption of alcohol 72 hours ahead of the polls. Each District Administration Authority will issue a notice to its effect. The District Administration Office of Kathmandu has already issued the notice to this effect, and other DAOs are expected to follow suit.

Alcohol sale and consumption will be banned from 12:00 AM (midnight) Tuesday, 10th May, 2022 to 11:59 PM Friday, 13th May.

Restrictions on vehicular movement on polling day: 

Vehicular movement across the nation will be restricted on 13th May, from 06:00 AM until polls close barring emergency services. Other essential vehicles which have a permit issued by their respective DAO will be allowed to operate.

Nepal is scheduled to vote for their local level leaders on May 13 – 6 metropolitan cities, 11 sub-metropolitan cities and 276 municipalities will vote for their Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Ward Chairperson, and 4 Ward Members, while 460 Rural Municipalities will vote for their Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, Ward Chairperson and 4 Ward Members.

This is Nepal’s second local level elections since the promulgation of Nepal’s new constitution in 2015.