Nepal tightens security ahead of elections

Kathmandu: Helicopters and thousands of policemen were deployed in Nepal on Saturday to guard campaigns for next week's assembly elections.

Home Interior Ministry spokesman Modraj Dotel said the helicopters carrying armed policemen will conduct regular air patrols until the polling is over.

"The aerial patrolling which began on Saturday will continue until the election day after which the same helicopters will transport ballot boxes from remote polling stations to the district headquarters for counting," he said.

The April 10 vote for the assembly could lead to the abolishment of the centuries-old monarchy in the country.

Authorities have also banned the sale of alcohol to prevent violence during the election, Dotel said. The ban will go into effect from Monday until the election is over.