KATHMANDU, Dec 16: Voting at the CPN-UML’s 11th General Convention is likely to be delayed by several hours, as technicians continue to register candidates’ names in the electronic voting machines.
The election, which was scheduled to begin at 11:00 am on Tuesday, is now unlikely to start before 8:00 pm.
Ram Laxman Innovation Pvt Ltd, the company responsible for the electronic voting system, said the delay occurred because the final list of candidates was received late and later revised.
According to the company, candidates’ names must be entered into the machines strictly in alphabetical order. Before voting can begin, the party’s Chief Election Commissioner must verify and certify the entries. Candidates’ photographs also need to be uploaded, a process that has further extended the preparation time.
Although the CPN-UML has urged the company to expedite the process, technical complexities are expected to prolong the delay.
A total of 41 candidates are contesting 19 office-bearer positions, while more than 600 candidates are vying for 301 Central Committee seats. The convention is being held at Bhrikutimandap.
Meanwhile, the faction led by Ishwar Pokhrel has insisted that voting should not be conducted at night.