Nepal deployed thousands of troops around the country on Wednesday (February 4, 2026) to boost security ahead of the first elections since last year's deadly protests toppled the previous government. In total, 300,000 security personnel and temporary election police were being sent out in the lead up to the March 5 vote, an increase from previous polls. Nearly 80,000 of the total deployed are Army troops, Nepal's Army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet told AFP. The Army will primarily conduct aerial patrols, oversee ballot box transportation and provide security during vote counting. Nepal's Election Commission has said it is ready to hold the election as planned despite concerns over weather conditions in high-altitude Himalayan regions.

Source: The Hindu February 04, 2026 12:46 UTC