Nepal Bans Alcohol and Tightens Security Ahead of March 5 Election

PTI, Feb 25, 2026, Kathmandu : The Nepal government on Wednesday announced that the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks would be prohibited seven days ahead of the March 5 general election.

The Nepal-India border will also be sealed 72 hours before the voting begins, the Election Commission (EC) said.

Issuing a notice, the EC said the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks will be completely prohibited across the country seven days before the election. The restriction will be enforced until the last election results are published.

"All concerned authorities have been instructed to seal the border 72 hours ahead of the election," the EC said.

A silent period begins from the midnight of March 2, after which restrictions will be imposed on any type of election campaign. Those violating the rule will be punished according to the law, the EC said.

All types of vehicular movements except emergency services such as fire engine, ambulance, telecom, and electricity maintenance vehicles, are not allowed to move from the midnight of March 4 until voting completes on March 5, according to the EC.

However, domestic and international air services will operate even during the election date, and arrangements have been made to provide transportation to passengers on the basis of air tickets.

The authorities will issue vehicular passes on March 5 in case of emergency services. No vehicle will be allowed to move without a special pass.

Meanwhile, the Nepal Army said it is implementing a three-phase integrated security plan, including aerial patrols and neutralising suspicious objects, for the general elections.

A total of 18.9 million eligible voters will exercise their franchise to elect 275 members of the House of Representatives (HoR), with polling scheduled from 7 am to 5 pm on March 5.