ROLPA, Nov 20: The Nepalese Army carried out aerial patrols from helicopters in Rolpa and Rukum during the election. Government authorities informed Republica that the aerial patrols were conducted near polling stations in sensitive areas of the two districts.

The District Election Security Committee of Rolpa and Rukkum said that air patrols had to be conducted in the areas based on the information that the voters were being prevented from going to the polling stations.

"We have arrested three people who tried to disturb the election." Chief District Officer of Rukum West Parmanand Ghimire said, adding, "They were arrested after they tried to tear the ballot papers and damage the ballot boxes."

Like in Rukum, the army carried out air patrols in the north-eastern parts of Rolpa. Chief District Officer of Rolpa Navraj Sapkota confirmed that the army carried out aerial patrols in sensitive areas. According to a security official, preparations are being made to bring the ballot boxes from the remote areas of Rolpa by helicopter. Similarly, the army also conducted air patrol in East Rukum.

Security agencies received information that CPN Maoist cadres led by Netra Bikram Chand, who was against holding the election, had prevented some voters from visiting the polling stations till noon.

Compared to the past, Ropla has witnessed low voter turnout this time. The district did not observe much election activities either.

 
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