POKHARA, May 12: The local election has been no less than a festival in Kaski district with the locals returning back to their villages to cast votes.

The villages which were almost empty since a long time have now turned back to life after the voters living in cities packed their bags and returned back to their respective villages to exercise their voting rights. 

People of the rural areas have been compelled to migrate to cities in search of better facilities, job opportunities, education for children and a wish to live a quality life. 

As the local elections are going to be held almost after two decades, the locals are very much excited. Despite of costly transportation charges and other expenses, people are still returning to their villages to cast votes.

According to Durga Bahadur Gurung, professor at Himalaya Secondary School of Madi Rural Municipality, Kaski, the excitement of the elections has gripped the district. “Most of the villagers have returned back and some are on their way. The election has been no less than Dashain,” said  Gurung.

As per the locals, they want to exercise their voting rights and elect representatives who can bring all the facilities of cities to their villages. They say that they won't have to migrate to the cities leaving their homes if their villages get developed.  

Dilli Prasad Subedi, a permanent resident of Gyadi of Parbat returned home with his family members on Thursday. “This is the first time I am getting an opportunity to cast vote in a local election and I don't want to miss it,” said Subedi. He further informed that he has even suggested his friends to return back. The local elections have also given a chance to the locals to meet their relatives and friends after a long time.

Amrit Kumar Bhandari, a permanent resident of Syangja returned home with his family members a few days ago. Bhandari, who is involved in teaching profession in Pokhara, said, “It won't be right to skip the opportunity to cast vote in the elections which has been announced almost after two decades as you may not get the same chance again.”  

According to election officers deployed in polling centers, the wide presence of people has given a festive mood. “Return of the youths has elated the family members who were dying to see their loved ones,” said Rajesh Regmi, one of the election officers.

 
• local election
 
• villagers
 
• festive mood