Authorities have categorised 21 polling centres in Rukum West as highly sensitive ahead of the upcoming elections, citing potential disputes and clashes among political parties and their supporters as a major security challenge.

The district has 78 polling centres, including two temporary ones, with 142 polling booths. According to the District Security Committee, 43 centres have been listed as sensitive, while 14, including the two temporary centres, are considered normal.

“Centres have been classified based on distance, remoteness and past incidents,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police Bed Bahadur Paudel, chief of the District Police Office, Rukum West. He said recent political developments and internal rifts within parties have also posed security challenges.

Authorities have required prior notice for election programmes to avoid clashes at the same venue and time. The security committee has intensified field inspections, made necessary improvements and increased surveillance in sensitive areas.

A total of 12 candidates are contesting in the district. Competition has intensified in some areas after former lawmaker Janardan Sharma left his old party to contest from a new one, the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party. Security agencies are on alert amid concerns of tension between supporters of the Nepali Communist Party and the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party. However, Paudel said no incidents have been reported so far.

The Nepali Army, the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and election security personnel are implementing a coordinated security plan.

Geographical remoteness and poor transport access in the upper belt of Aathbiskot Municipality, including Syalakhadi and Gotamkot, have added to security challenges. The area is also prone to snowfall.

The district has 106,660 registered voters, including 52,396 women.