CHITWAN: With political parties completing candidate nominations and entering villages to seek votes, the election atmosphere has begun to take shape across the district. Party leaders and cadres have intensified door-to-door campaigns, while rallies and public interactions are being organized to build momentum ahead of polling day.
As campaigning gathers pace, first-time voters—mostly young people—are showing visible enthusiasm. Following the Gen-Z movement, many young voters say they are hopeful that the next generation of elected representatives will better understand and reflect youth aspirations.
Sofil Moktan, a resident of Bharatpur Metropolitan City–10, said he is eager to cast his vote to elect leaders with fresh energy and clear development plans.
“Although parties are campaigning for their candidates, the final decision lies with voters,” Moktan said. “I am happy to be exercising this right for the first time. I am excited to choose leadership that can develop the country.”
Similarly, Ritik Rimal of Bharatpur–12 said he is still studying the candidates before deciding whom to vote for, stressing the importance of informed voting.
“One should not vote without understanding the candidates,” Rimal said. “Capable and responsible leadership is necessary for the country’s development, and I am shaping my decision accordingly.”
Rimal, who supported the Gen-Z movement, is also voting for the first time.
Shamir Sharma of Bharatpur–5 will also be casting his vote for the first time in the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. He said youth participation in recent movements has raised hopes for meaningful national development.
“If good candidates are in the race, voting for them and helping them win feels like contributing to the country’s progress,” Sharma said. “I want to vote for leadership that genuinely thinks about youth issues.”
Likewise, Sanchukumar Tamang said she is preparing to vote for the first time and is carefully studying the candidates to ensure her vote is used meaningfully. She said she is waiting for March 5 with the intention of supporting leadership that prioritizes youth concerns.
According to the District Election Office, 33,740 new voters have been added across three constituencies in Chitwan for the upcoming election, the majority of whom are young voters. Some had reached voting age earlier but registered for the voters’ list for the first time this year.
The district has a total of 442,082 voters, including 217,314 men, 224,766 women, and two third-gender voters. Voting arrangements have been made at 162 polling locations and 494 polling centers.
District Election Officer Bhimsena Karki said Constituency No. 1 has 149,621 voters, including 76,761 men and 75,860 women, with 56 polling locations and 168 polling centres.
Constituency No. 2 has 137,152 voters, comprising 67,857 men, 69,294 women and one third-gender voter, with 48 polling locations and 152 centres.
Similarly, Constituency No. 3 has 155,309 voters, including 75,696 men, 79,612 women and one third-gender voter, according to the Election Office.
In the 2022 House of Representatives election, Chitwan had 408,342 registered voters, indicating a significant increase in voter participation potential this time.
Comment