KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has directed the election officer to scrap vote counting process, and immediately hold re-election by arranging time in Budhiganga Municipality of Bajura district.

EC’s Spokesperson Shalikram Poudel shared this information in a press release issued in line with Section 41 (4) of Local Level Election Act, 2073.

Earlier, the EC had formed an investigation team led by Commissioner Sagun Sumsher JB Rana after the political disputes surfaced on the May 13 local level election.

Arguing that sheer recklessness on the part of Chief District Officer in Bajura, Upendra Raj Poudel, DSP Chaturbhuj Ojha, Superintendent of the Armed Police Force Dipak Bista resulted into question over fairness, credibility and independence of voting, the EC demanded removal of such officials and appoint new ones in their place.

Such direction was given to the Home Ministry by the EC.