By Rick M 
To prevent violence in the upcoming local elections, Makawanpur security officials from Nepal and India have agreed to close the border in Lumbini Province for 72 hours. This decision is taken against the backdrop of the preparation for the holding of the local-level elections that are tremendously instrumental in the democratization of the process in the concerned area.
The closure of the boarder is intended to ensure that any external influence orIllegal activities which may interfere with the electoral process is eliminated. This is in a bid to ensure elections are conducted securely to minimise cases of violence and generally ensure people vote without fear.
The decision to bar trucks from crossing the border was reportedly arrived at a meeting between top ministries of security of the two countries. This case of relationship between Nepal and India in this regard shows that regional comity and cooperation are crucial elements in maintaining order and stability during possible centrifugal political activities.
The local authorities in Lumbini Province have started making anticipations to perform the border sealing efficiently. The border areas to which the restriction will apply will be closely monitored by the police forces. Also, other checkpoints will be established to monitor and allow only authorized persons and vehicles to cross over at the said period of 72 hours.
The conclusive closure of the border will, therefore, have some effects on the levels of cross-border business and people’s traffic. But authorities have said that the relevant services that people require to be availed will not be hindered, and that the travel required by an emergency will also not be impeded. It has been planned that any urgent requirements that might be required during this period will be provided for.
Political parties and candidates taking part in the up coming local elections have applauded this move and they have said that the will ensure that all participant levels the playing ground. They feel that this border sealing will curb anyone trying to interfere with the election process through one way or the other or try to bring into the country any influence.
Lumbini Province’s election officials have shown their satisfaction with the security that will be implemented. They stated that free and fear factor elections are essential for centralization of power at the local level and for realisation of democracy whereby citizens’ inputs constitute a factor for decision making.
Local-level elections in Lumbini Province are considered as encouraging move in Nepals ongoing decentralisation and democratisation process. These elections will also define heads of different local councils of municipal and rural categories, which are critical parts of the government and development structures.
The feeling across the residents of Lumbini Province is that of expectation as the election day draws near. Awareness creation among voters is on high gear with election officials together with other civil society organisations carrying out sensitization on the roles and responsibilities of the voters.
The sealing of the border also raises questions about the long-term impacts that it has on the relationship between Nepal and its southern neighbor, India. These experts note that this cooperation is a good sign of the two countries and their support of the democratic processes in their respective countries and in the region generally.
Although border sealing remains a temporary action, it seems to be emblematic of the highly charged nature of cross–border relations in the region. It also underscores the difficulties that those nations with open-door policies experience when dealing with security issues in the course of strategic political events.
While Lumbini Province goes about making preparations for this momentous democratic exercise, the effects or lack of the border sealing will be evident in the preparation and the general running of the election. The effectiveness of these measures may make a basis for future elections and become an example for other border areas experiencing similar problems.
As the hours count down to the start of the 72-hour sealing of the borders, all local stakeholders are putting serious effort into ensuring that they complete all procedural arrangements. The next few days will decide whether this effort is going to be successful and help revitalize democracy in the Lumbini Province.