Kathmandu, Nepal, february 4, 2026: Today, the rhythm of life across Nepal changed as thousands of soldiers began their journey from barracks to the furthest corners of all 77 districts. On this Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the boots hitting the pavement represent more than just a security operation; they are a visible sign of a nation trying to heal. Exactly one month remains until the March 5 elections, the first since the "Gen Z" protests of last September left scars across the country and a vacuum in the government.
For the nearly 80,000 soldiers of the Nepal Army, this mission means a month away from home to stand as a "third ring" of protection. Their presence at airports and industrial hubs is designed to give the local police the breathing room they need to focus on the communities themselves. Behind these numbers are people like the 150,000 newly recruited temporary police—many of them young citizens stepping up for the first time—who will be the face of security at your local polling station.
The tension in the air is unmistakable. With 3,680 polling stations labeled "highly sensitive," many families still remember the chaos of last year. The sound of helicopters now patrolling the skies serves as a dual reminder: a warning to those who would cause trouble, but also a promise to voters in remote villages that their ballot boxes—and their voices—will be protected.
"We just want to ensure that every citizen feels safe enough to walk to the booth," said Ananda Kafle of the Ministry of Home Affairs. While officials speak of "intact security," the true goal is more personal. It’s about ensuring that a father in Pokhara or a student in Kathmandu can cast a vote without fear, marking a definitive end to the violence of the past and a new chapter for Nepal’s future.
