KATHMANDU, May 13: As the country goes to the polls for the first phase of local level election tomorrow, the Election Commission (EC) has reaffirmed completion of all its preparation for it and urged one and all eligible voters to exercise their franchise without any fear. 

Speaking at a special press conference organized by the EC at its media centre on  Saturday, Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav shared that the necessary preparations have been completed for the security arrangements for the poll being held across 34 districts of province no 3, 4 and 6. 

Chief Commissioner Dr Yadav further said that the election officers and security personnel have already reached the 6,642 polling stations in the 283 local level units with necessary election materials. 

The voters, whose total number stands at 4,956,925 in these provinces, will be electing a total of 13,556 people's representatives including 186 rural municipality chiefs and same number of vice-chair, 97 Mayors and same number of deputy mayors of Municipalities. Similarly, 2,598 Ward Chairs and Ward Members, 2,598 women Ward Members, equal number of dalit women Ward Members and 5156 additional ward members from the inclusive quota would be elected. 

"I appeal to all the voters to cast their votes without any fear as the necessary security mechanism has been put in place," urged Dr Yadav. 

The election is a part of the process for the effective implementation of the new constitution promulgated through the constituent assembly, he said, highlighting the need for the voters for voting the right way for the right candidates. 

Altogether 49,337 candidates from various political parties are contesting in the May 14's election where the participation of the women voters stands at 39 per cent. The number of women candidates includes 9,083 women Ward Members and 7,526 dalit women Ward Members. 

It was also shared that 160 women and 169 men candidates were already elected unopposed. 
The observation of the election will be conducted by the officials of the EC as well as representatives from various 49 organizations. 

The election officers facilitating the voters have been urged to prioritize facilitation for the voters with physical disability, pregnancy, old age or malady. RSS 
 

 
• local level elections
 
• ecn
 
• 1st phase of elections