Local level by-elections today

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec,1: The local level by-elections is being held on Sunday. The Election Commission has announced that all preparations for the local-level by-elections have been completed.

According to the Election Commission, voting will take place from 9 am to 3 pm at designated voting centres across the country. A total of 376 candidates are set to compete for 41 vacant posts of local levels, the EC announced. 

The by-poll is being held in 41 vacant posts at local levels, including Kritipur Municipality and KMC-16. 

The local poll was set to take place at 44 vacant posts. However, three candidates have been elected unopposed in the by-election. 

Tej Raj Bhattarai of Nepali Congress has been elected as the chief of the Okhaldhunga District Coordination Committee.

Similarly, Tika Kumari Chaudhary (Bhul) of Nepali Congress has been elected as the chief of the Kailali District Coordination Committee.

Jagat Gharti of CPN (Maoist Centre) has been elected as the ward chair of Ward-2 of Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality in Rukum East.

Issuing a statement, the EC has urged voters to visit their designated polling stations to cast their ballots confidently for the candidate of their choice.

The Commission has facilitated voting for all eligible individuals whose names appear on the final voter’s list by allowing them to use various forms of identification, including a valid voter identity card, Nepali citizenship certificate, national identity card, passport, permanent account number (PAN) identity card, or driving license.

To ensure voter convenience, the Chief District Officers have been instructed through the Ministry of Home Affairs to make necessary arrangements for transportation, except in areas directly surrounding polling stations, without compromising election security. 

Additionally, the Commission has recommended declaring public holidays in the respective local levels and wards where elections will be held.

The EC has called on political parties, voters, candidates, media personnel, observers, and other stakeholders to ensure the polling process is carried out smoothly and in a peaceful, and tolerant environment.

It has emphasised the importance of enabling polling officers and staff to perform their duties effectively while ensuring voters can exercise their rights in a fear-free atmosphere.

Any attempts to disrupt the voting process or engage in activities that negatively impact the elections will be addressed under the prevailing laws. The Commission assured that strict action would be taken to prevent hindrances and maintain order, the statement read.