KATHMANDU: The by-elections in Ilam and Bajhang have commenced, marking the beginning of voting in these constituencies.

Polling stations opened at 7:00 am, covering Ilam-2 for the House of Representatives and Bajhang 1 (A) for the Provincial Assembly.

The Election Commission has issued a call to eligible voters to participate responsibly, with polling scheduled from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm according to the election program.

These by-elections were triggered by the unfortunate passing of CPN-UML lawmaker Subas Chandra Nembang in Ilam-2 on September 12, 2023, and Nepali Congress lawmaker Prithvi Bahadur Singh in Bajhang-1 on July 10, 2023, due to a road accident, resulting in vacant seats.

The Election Commission has clarified that voters can present any of the following valid identification documents to cast their votes: voter identity card, Nepali citizenship certificate, national identity card, driving license, or permanent account number (PAN) card.

In the Ilam by-elections, candidates including Suhang Nembang from the UML, Dhambar Khadka from the Nepali Congress, Milam Limbu from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and 19 others are vying for victory.