75% voter turnout in Bharatpur repoll; 27 votes less than before

Published On: August 4, 2017 07:16 PM NPT By: Ramesh Kumar Paudel

CHITWAN, August 4: A special measure has been taken for the security of the vote counting of the Baraptur repoll. The counting center has secured with barbed wire. The reelection was held today. Of the total 3, 797 voters, 2, 870 voters cast their votes, according to District Election Office Chief Hari Dhakal. In the first phase of local polls, as many as 2, 897 votes had been cast.

Bharatpur assistant returning officer Ghambhir Ghimire said the ballot boxes are being brought to Bharatpur. The votes will be counted at the Bharatpur Covered Hall. According to Ghimire, all the ballot boxes will arrive by 7 pm today. Once all the ballot boxes arrive, the party will take hold a meeting to take decision on vote counting, added Ghimire.

Bharatpur locals enthusiastically took part in the reelection. Even the elderly took part in the reelection. The results of the ward is crucial to elect the mayor of BMC.

The people are curiously watching on the reelection of BMC-19 as former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s daughter Renu Dahal from CPN (Maoist Center) in alliance with Nepali Congress and Devi Prasad Gyawali representing CPN-UML are contesting the poll.

There were three polling stations in ward no. 19 with 3, 797 voters. The election had been held under the first phase of local level elections on May 14. During the period, as many as 2,897 votes had been cast.

UML mayoral candidate Gyawali is ahead of Dahal. To turn the table in her favor, Dahal has to get votes from all the NC and Maoist Center supporters.

Some ballot papers were torn off while the vote counting was underway on May 28. Police had arrested Maoist Center poll representatives Drona Babu Siwakoti and Madhu Neupane.

UML had demanded resumption of vote counting but Maoist Center was in favor of reelections. Election Commission (EC) decided to hold reelections. A writ was filed at the Supreme Court. The reelection is taking place today after the SC issued verdict in favor of EC’s decision on last Sunday.