Kathmandu. Election Commission of Nepal has estimated that 65 to 72 percent voting will take place in the local level election 2079. Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya said that the Election Commission has estimated 65 to 72 percent turnout in the local elections.
He said that 46 percent of the votes had been cast by 3 o’clock and that the process would continue till 5 o’clock. Chief Commissioner Thapaliya said that polling was postponed in 32 polling stations across the country due to clashes between candidates of different political parties but was not canceled.
Voters will still be able to cast their ballots as voting continues until 5 p.m. Chief Commissioner Thapaliya clarified that the commission was not in favor of mocking and squandering resources, means and technology and said that it would not be acceptable to try to stop the election by various activities.
Chief Commissioner Thapaliya said, “As of 3 o’clock, about 46 votes have been cast. It has dropped to 70 percent in some and 18 percent in others. Overall, 46 percent of the vote has fallen. At present, polling has been postponed in 32 polling stations in different districts due to conflict between the two parties and candidates. It is not canceled. Polling officials are trying their best to keep the voting process going. The clear view of the commission is that if there is any disturbance due to the commission or its staff and security personnel, the commission will take the responsibility.
He added, “It is not acceptable to try to stop the election by various activities. All polling stations are staffed until 5 p.m. Informs you to resume. We will allow all the voters who have entered the designated premises of the polling station within 5 o’clock to exercise their voting right. The commission is not in favor of mocking and squandering resources, means and technology.
He further added, “Our expectation is that 65 to 72 percent of the votes will be lost. Looking at the situation of some polling stations now, it has gone beyond that. He is a believer in democracy. It is estimated that the turnout will be a little less as the turnout has been 17 percent or less so far.
Similarly, Chief Commissioner Thapaliya expressed concern over the attack on ballot boxes by candidates’ representatives at some polling stations in Saptari, Bajhang, Bajura, Bara and Rautahat. He called on the Federal Council President of the Janata Samajwadi Party, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai said that the secret ballot was made public for publicity and asked for clarification and if the truth is proved, action will be taken as per law.
Chief Commissioner Thapaliya said that the counting of votes would start from 8 am today at the polling station and the results of the counting would be completed within five days. He also said that the commission aims to complete all the election work by May 19.
