Kathmandu: The Election Commission has announced that all preparations for the local level by-election have been completed. The by-election, scheduled for tomorrow, December 1, aims to fill 41 vacant posts in local government bodies across the country. Polling will commence at 7 am and continue until 5 pm at designated polling centers.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the by-election will see voters electing officials for various positions, including one municipality mayor, one deputy mayor, two rural municipalities’ chairpersons, four vice-chairpersons, and 33 ward chairpersons. Joint-Secretary Neeta Pokharel Aryal, the Commission’s spokesperson, confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth voting process. Special provisions have been established to prioritize voters such as senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, expecting and new mothers, and those who are unwell.
A total of 376 candidates are contesting in the by-election, representing 20 different politica
l parties alongside several independent candidates. Notably, Nepal Congress candidates Tekraj Bhattarai and Tika Kumari Chaudhary have already been elected unopposed to chairperson positions in Okhaldhunga and Kailali districts, respectively. Additionally, Jagat Gharti from the CPN (Maoist Centre) has secured the position of ward chairperson in Putha Uttarganga rural municipality, Rukum Purba.
The by-election will determine leadership for the mayoral position in Kirtipur municipality and the deputy mayoral post in Nalgad municipality, Jajarkot. Elections are also scheduled for chairperson roles in rural municipalities across Morang, Dailekh, Dolakha, Humla, and Bajura. The by-election will extend to numerous ward chairperson positions in municipalities and rural areas throughout several districts, including Taplejung, Jhapa, Tehrathum, Sunsari, and many others across the country.