KATHMANDU, Nepal’s Army will deploy around 80,000 personnel to support security arrangements for the parliamentary elections scheduled for February 21, officials said.

Army spokesperson Assistant Lieutenant General Rajaram Basnet said the Integrated Security Plan–2082 has been approved by the government and endorsed by the President, paving the way for troop mobilization.

Under the plan, the Nepal Army will be deployed approximately one month before polling day. Its responsibilities include securing ballot printing, airports, prisons, and other critical infrastructure in coordination with Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force.

During voting, the army will operate as the third security layer, ensuring protection for voters, candidates, political parties and election officials. After polling concludes, the army will oversee the transportation of ballot boxes and provide security at vote-counting centers.

Security coordination meetings are currently underway at the provincial level, with authorities reviewing the situation and making necessary adjustments to ensure a free, fair and fear-free election, the army said.