Gandaki sees influx of new voter registrants

By Phadindra Adhikari,Lekhnath, Nov. 12: In preparation for the upcoming elections on March 5, voter registration is ongoing nationwide, with Gandaki Province experiencing a significant influx of new registrants. As of Monday, 11,562 new voters have been added to the electoral roll within Gandaki Province, encompassing all eleven districts of the region.

Prior to September 26, the province had a total of 1,826,031 voters, comprising 937,239 women, 888,781 men, and 11 individuals from other categories. With recent additions, the total number of registered voters now stands at 1,837,693.

According to Rudra Neupane, Information Officer at the Gandaki Province Election Office, voter registration will remain open until November 16, with the final voter count to be confirmed by the third week of November. 

In Kaski District, approximately three new voters per day are visiting the office to complete their registration. Kaski, Nawalparasi, Tanahun, Syangja, Gorkha, and Baglung have witnessed a significant influx of new voters. Conversely, in districts characterised by remote areas and fewer local residents, such as Manang and Mustang, registration activity has been irregular.

Among the recent registrants was Bam Bahadur Kunwar, 43, who visited the Gandaki Province Election Office on Monday. Kunwar, who returned to Nepal after residing abroad for several years, stated, “It is the votes of the people that elect parliamentarians, form governments, and shape the country. We must choose the government that will lead the nation forward.”

The election offices across the province are observing a notable participation of young voters. Sandhya Gurung, 18, from Pokhara-32, expressed her enthusiasm after registering to vote, stating, “Now it’s the youth’s turn to make a difference in the country. We cannot fall behind.” She emphasised that every eligible citizen should register to vote and contribute to selecting leadership that will determine the country's future.

Following September 26, Kaski district registered the highest number of new voters, totaling 4,597, including 2,707 men and 1,829 women. In contrast, Manang District recorded the lowest figure, with only 35 individuals completing their registration. According to Govinda Prasad Aryal, District Election Office Chief, Mustang District registered 66 new voters, including 43 men and 23 women, while Myagdi district added 131 male and 225 female voters.

Other districts with notable new voter registrations include Baglung with 711, Parbat with 606, Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) with 1,610, Tanahun with 1,315, and Lamjung with 729 new voters. Syangja district registered 954 new voters, with 614 women and 340 men.

Election officials have urged individuals who have registered online to visit the electoral office in person to complete their registration with photographs and biometric data. Shriram Thapa, Chief of the Syangja District Election Office, explained, “Some people mistakenly believe that online registration suffices. The process remains incomplete without submitting a photograph at the office.”

With only a week remaining until the registration deadline, there is an increase in prospective voters seeking to finalise their registration prior to the upcoming elections.