No Democracy Without Security

The House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s democratic journey. The interim government—formed amid extraordinary political circumstances following the Gen-Z movement in early September—was mandated to hold elections within six months. That objective now appears firmly on track. Major political forces have already entered the electoral contest and are actively campaigning for their candidates. In many ways, the electoral train has left the station and is steadily moving toward its destination. There is little doubt that the election will be held as scheduled. The immediate priority, therefore, is election security—ensuring safety in the pre-poll period, on election day and through to the official declaration of results. If voters fear for their personal safety while travelling to polling centres, participation will inevitably suffer. Elections must, therefore, be conducted in a fear-free environment. Pre-election violence, social tensions and electoral clashes heighten public security concerns. Such incidents not only create fear and uncertainty among voters but also weaken the overall electoral climate and, ultimately, erode public trust in democracy.