Criteria for ‘highly sensitive’ status
Police officials say polling stations are categorised as highly sensitive based on several factors: history of electoral violence or clashes, presence of armed outfits or criminal networks, potential for inter-party or communal tension, and remoteness from security bases.
Stations in such areas are more likely to face attempts at booth capture, intimidation of voters or obstruction of polling teams.
Extra measures
In highly sensitive locations, security deployment will be thicker at every ring.
Nepal Police and election police will be reinforced at the inner ring, while the Armed Police Force and, in some cases, the Nepali Army will maintain visible presence nearby.
Special attention is being given to secure the transportation and storage of ballot boxes from these stations, including the use of convoys, escorts and GPS tracking where feasible.
Observers and party representatives are being urged to cooperate with security protocols while continuing their oversight roles.