Nepal heads for by-elections: Final phase of campaigning

Publish date : 26 November, 2019

KATHMANDU, NOV 26: The upcoming by-elections are going to be held on Saturday 30th of November for the House of Representatives (HoR), Provincial Assembly (PA) and Local Bodies (LB) for 52 varied positions.

According to the Election Commission (EC), elections are going to be held for 1 HoR, 3 PA, 1 Mayor, 3 LB President, 1 LB Vice president, and 43 other LB ward members.

The electoral areas for the by-elections are Kaski-2 for HoR, Bhaktapur-1 Ka, Baglung-2 Kha, and Dang-3 Kha for PA. The position lay vacant after representatives of these areas passed away.

Elections for the post of local bodies are going to be held in the areas of Dharan, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, Mahottari, and Humla. The positions are for a Mayor, President of LB, and Vice President of LB.

Local Board elections for various positions are up for elections due to the untimely passing away of the representatives. This has been one of the prime causes of the by-election where many positions lay vacant. Ward elections are going to be held Panchthar, Bhojpur, Morang, Sunsari, Dharan, Sankhuwasabha, Khotang, Siraha, Mahottari, Sarlahi. The other areas for by-elections are Ramecchap, Sindhupalchowk, Kavrepalanchowk, Kathmandu, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Gulmi, Argakhachi, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Banke, Accham, and Kapilvastu.

The EC has opened several offices in 48 places for information regarding the election and monitoring. Final preparations for the elections are over, and voting logistics and other requirements have been sent to the respective places. The EC is strictly monitoring activities that may go against the election code of conduct.

There are 537 voting centers, and each has one officer from the EC. The election and voting education was provided to people with various programs a few days back. Voters have also been taught how to vote and not get disqualified. The programs will continue until a few more days.

Campaigning has begun in full swing, and leaders have gone to their respective places to encourage the people to come out and vote. An expected 4,54,114 voters will be casting their votes.