KATHMANDU, May 17: When the local elections were announced people were cautious in taking it for real. But the developments that followed, ultimately eliminated doubts and people across the country devoted themselves in finding representatives that will best serve their interest.

The elections results have started to come through. While there are many exemplary representatives that have been elected by voters this time, here are some that are unique in themselves. 

A Maoist bastion retained 
   Chief and deputy chief of Marin Rural Municipality Paniraj Bamjan and Sangita Majhi (above), Sindhuli

CPN (Maoist Center) swept all seats of Sindhuli’s Marin Rural Municipality where Paniraj Bamjan and Sangita Majhi of the party have been elected as chief and deputy chief of the municipality, respectively. The area, which has been cradle of the Maoists during the conflict-era, has remained a Maoist favorite in this election also. In the second constituent assembly election, Haribol Gajurel of the same party had swept it. 

The party’s candidate won in all wards of the municipality, election commission’s office in the district informed. Bamjan received 4802 votes while his closest rival, Ek Bahadur Rana received 1688 votes. Similarly Majhi received 1977 votes, while her closest rival Sharmila Majhi secured 1977 votes. 

A school principal’s new quest
Rahamtullah Miya, a teacher turned politician has been elected chief of Gorkha Municipality -2, Gorkha

Rahamtullah Miya, 53, educated children for 37 years at a public school. His nearly four-decade long service in educating the community’s youth had earned him great respect. However, when local level elections were announced Miya realized that he could spearhead the community’s development as a politician. He resigned and contended the elections for the post of ward chief of Gorkha Municipality -2 from Nepali Congress. He won the elections securing 431 votes, nearly three times the votes secured by his closest rival. 

“I have been a teacher for 37 years, of which I have spent 22 years alone in managing public schools to provide quality education. Voters chose me for this dedication and sincerity,” said Miya adding that he now looks forward to utilizing all the powers and resources provided by the new federal structure for development of his ward. The ward’s voter voted for the whole of Miya’s panel and this has given him confidence of materializing his vision into reality. 

The Octogenarian ward chief 
Eighty years old Karna Bahadur Khadka was elected the chairman of ward number 1 of Tripurasundari Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk.

Eighty-year-old Karna Bahadur Khadka has been elected ward chief of Tripurasundari Rural Municipality - 1. He had contested from Nepali congress party. His closest rival Kumar Khatri of Maoist center received 160 votes while Khadka secured 273 votes. Khatri is of his grandson’s age.  “I served as people’s representative twice during Panchayat era. So, this is a job at which I have substantial experience,” the octogenarian said quite confidently.  “I will pave way for the development of the ward. I will primarily focus on building better road networks, and do things that will bring prosperity to the people of my ward,” he added. 

According to Khadka, people of his age cannot think of accumulating money and so like them, his service will be selfless.  Khadka, father of four sons and four daughters has 21 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Some of his grandsons are already over 30. Khakda does not believe that number determines age or makes one less energetic. He feels, it is, rather a matter of spirit. “Your age is determined by your spirit. I have the spirit of a young person. That’s it,” he said. 

In fact, his own family members and other had earlier suggested him not to give nomination for the election. They wanted to give their nomination, instead. But Khadka was interested and convinced them that he is still a very capable candidate. “I am thankful to all the supporters,” Khadka said. 

Dalit, woman that too 86-year old, elected ward member 
Chandramaya BK, newly elected ward member of Thakre Rural municipality-5, Dhading

Despite being a woman, a Dalit and on top of all 86 years old - Chandramaya BK launched a successful political career in this local election. BK, who has been receiving old age allowance for the last 12 years, has been elected member of ward number 5 of Thankre Rural Municipality. “CPN-UML is the only refuge of old and marginalized people like us,” she stated while crediting the party for picking her as the party’s ward member candidate.

“The party trusted and gave me the ticket to contend the elections,” she said. 
A farmer by occupation, BK has been close to the party for many years. Despite being an inactive cadre, she was surprised when the party proposed her as its ward member candidate. “In this twilight years, I have been given such an important responsibility by my ward people. I will do my best for the people and for my country,” she said. 

(Anil Bhandari from Sindhuli, Narahari Sapkota from Gorkha, Dhruba Dangal from Sindhupalchowk and Shankar Shrestha from Dhading contributed to this report.)

 
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