KATHMANDU: The race is heating up in Kirtipur Municipality as 20 candidates gear up for the by-election on December 1, aiming to fill two vacant ward chairperson positions in wards 1 and 4.
These elections are part of the nationwide by-election to fill 42 vacant seats across the country.
Among the candidates, nine represent various political parties, 11 are independents, and one is a member of the sexually marginalized community.
With the election’s proximity to the federal capital, Kathmandu, and the rare opportunity to elect two representatives in a single local level, the contest has garnered significant attention, said Indira Karki, Chief Election Officer at Kirtipur Municipality.
Campaigns are currently in full swing as the silence period will begin at midnight on November 28.
“Candidates are actively engaging with voters, with most campaigns proceeding peacefully,” said Karki.
The municipality boasts a total of 31,112 registered voters—15,095 male, 16,015 female, and two identified as others.
Neeta Pokharel Aryal, Spokesperson and Joint-Secretary at the Election Commission of Nepal, confirmed that voter education programs and code of conduct compliance monitoring are ongoing.
“Candidates have shown cooperation by attending all-party meetings and adhering to election regulations,” Aryal said.
The Chief Election Officer highlighted the harmonious nature of the campaigns, emphasizing that decisions regarding election management have been made unanimously.
This collaborative spirit, along with heightened voter interest, is setting the stage for a closely watched election day.
The results from Kirtipur will not only shape local leadership but also serve as a reflection of public sentiment in the broader Kathmandu Valley, making this by-election a pivotal event in Nepal’s local governance.
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