KATHMANDU: Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya has expressed concern over the low voter turnout in Kathmandu ward no. 16 during the ongoing by-election.
According to Thapaliya, only 40% of registered voters had cast their votes as of 3:40 PM. The ward, which has 21,000 voters, is witnessing a less-than-expected participation rate.
“Only 40% turnout has been reported so far,” Thapaliya told Khabarhub. “Even in urban areas, voter enthusiasm appears low. It is estimated that the final turnout in Kathmandu-16 might reach only around 50%.”
Similarly, Jajarkot’s Nalgad municipality, where the by-election for the deputy mayor is underway, has also recorded only a 40% turnout.
In contrast, other locations had surpassed a 55% turnout by the same time, according to Election Commission officials.
Thapaliya also mentioned that ballot boxes, except for those in Gaurishankar rural municipality in Dolakha, are expected to arrive at counting centers by 11 PM tonight.
The delay in Gaurishankar is attributed to geographical challenges.
“So far, the voting process has remained peaceful,” Thapaliya noted. “We aim to announce all election results by Tuesday morning.”
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