KATHMANDU, Dec 1: With only a couple of hours left for voting, more than 50 percent of the votes were cast by 2 pm in the local level by-election. Voting, which started at 7 am on Sunday, saw over 50 percent voter turnout by 2 pm.
According to Election Commission (EC) Spokesperson Nita Pokhrel, more than 50 percent of the votes were cast within the first seven hours of voting. The Election Commission reported that voters are participating enthusiastically in all areas, and voting is proceeding peacefully in all locations so far.
The EC estimates that the voter turnout will exceed 60 percent based on the current voting ratio. A total of 226,799 voters are exercising their voting rights in this by-election. Voting is being held for 41 positions, including municipal mayors, deputy mayors, village council chiefs, deputy chiefs, and ward chairs. There are 376 candidates competing in this by-election. A total of 162 polling stations and 293 polling centers have been set up for the by-election.