KATHMANDU: By-elections for the House of Representatives (HoR) in Ilam-2 and for the Provincial Assembly in Bajhang-1 were conducted peacefully on Saturday.

However, the voter turnout indicated a decreased enthusiasm among voters compared to previous elections.

In Ilam-2 alone, 19 candidates are competing for a seat in the HoR.

The voter turnout in the previous election in Ilam-2 stood at 59.78 percent, which has slightly decreased to around 58 percent in this election.

According to the Election Commission (EC), Ilam-2 has a total of 116,889 voters.

Similarly, the voter turnout has also declined in Bajhang-1.

In the previous election, the turnout percentage was 52.98, which has dropped to around 50 percent this time.

Preparations are currently underway in Ilam to commence the vote count today.

However, the vote count for the Bajhang-1 by-election is unlikely to begin today due to logistical challenges posed by the region’s geography.