Government bans drones, strengthens cyber monitoring for March 5 election

The government has banned the use of drones during the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.

Spokesperson and Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ananda Kafle, said the Central Security Committee decided to prohibit drones to prevent possible misuse during the election period.

He said the misuse of social media is increasing, so the Nepal Police will strengthen its newly formed hi-tech unit to control such activities.

According to Kafle, the security team is also monitoring people who spread false or misleading information and those who post hate speech, which violates the election code of conduct.

He added that security agencies are closely watching individuals involved in anti-election activities and will take legal action against them.

Kafle said preparations are also being made to identify polling stations that lack police presence or communication facilities and to arrange proper security measures there.

He further stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all security bodies and administrative agencies to ensure there are no weaknesses in election security and to manage it effectively.

Kafle also said Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has directed the concerned authorities to review security work, staff deployment, and logistics under the Integrated Election Security Plan-2082, to ensure smooth and effective security management.

The Home Ministry has also urged the public to use social media responsibly and requested people not to share false or defamatory content. It warned that legal action will be taken against anyone who violates these rules.