Election Day Transport Rules for Candidates

Ahead of the thirteenth National Parliamentary Election and referendum scheduled for 12 February, the Election Commission has issued comprehensive and unambiguous directives governing the movement of candidates and their polling agents on polling day. The guidelines are designed to maintain law and order in and around polling centres, ensure a free, fair and intimidation-free voting environment, and guarantee a level playing field for all contestants. Drawing on lessons from previous elections—when excessive crowds and uncontrolled vehicle use often led to congestion and disorder—the Commission has opted for stricter, pre-emptive regulation this time.

Under the new rules, each contesting candidate and each of their polling agents may use one small vehicle individually. Approved vehicles include jeeps, cars, microbuses, CNG-powered vehicles, and auto-rickshaws. Each vehicle may carry a maximum of five people, including the driver. Importantly, any government-assigned personal security officer (gunman) must be counted within this limit; no additional seating is permitted for security personnel. All drivers must hold valid driving licences. Failure to meet this requirement will render the vehicle unauthorised for election-day use.

Recognising the country’s diverse geography, the Commission has introduced special provisions for areas where four-wheeled vehicles cannot operate due to terrain or infrastructure constraints. In such remote or hard-to-reach locations, each candidate and each polling agent may use up to two motorcycles. Each motorcycle may carry no more than two people, including the driver, who must also possess a valid licence. This measure is intended to ensure that candidates in hilly or remote regions can participate in the electoral process on an equal footing with those in more accessible constituencies.

Separate instructions apply to riverine and waterway-dependent areas. In these regions, each candidate and each polling agent may use one boat. The maximum number of passengers per boat, including the operator, is five. The Commission has made it clear that carrying extra passengers is prohibited, so as to prevent crowding or undue influence along waterways.

The directives further stipulate that anyone other than the candidate, polling agent, or assigned security personnel wishing to travel in an election-day vehicle must obtain prior permission and an official identity card from the relevant Returning Officer. Vehicles must also display a clearly visible sticker issued by the Returning Officer. Any vehicle operating without such authorisation will be treated as being in violation of electoral regulations.

One of the most critical provisions concerns access to polling centres. Except for candidates, polling agents, and security personnel, no other individuals accompanying them may enter the polling centre premises. The Commission has warned that breaches of this rule will result in legal action.

A summary of the permitted vehicle use on polling day is outlined below:

Election officials believe that strict enforcement of these measures will significantly reduce disorder, curb unequal competition, and enable voters to exercise their franchise safely and without obstruction.