220 votes cast in sudurpaschim for national assembly election, counting preparations underway

Dhangadhi: A total of 220 votes were cast today in the election of two National Assembly members from Sudurpaschim Province.

The Office of the National Assembly Member Election Officer reported that 49 provincial assembly members and 171 local level chiefs and deputy chiefs participated in the voting. Nepali Congress Provincial Assembly member Prakash Bahadur Deuba and RPP Provincial Assembly member Khema Bista did not cast their votes, while at the local level, Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City Mayor Gopal Hamal and Joshipur Rural Municipality Vice-Chairperson Rekha Katharia also abstained. Out of 224 registered voters, 4 did not vote.

The election features four candidates competing for two seats—one for women and one for others. In the Nepali Congress-UML alliance, UML’s Lila Kumari Bhandari and Nepali Communist Party’s Rozi Basnet are contesting for the women’s seat. The other candidates are Khamma Bahadur Khati of the Nepali Congress and Tikaram Jaishi of the NCP.

The Returning Officer’s office stated that voting was conducted peacefully and with enthusiasm. Preparations are now underway for the counting of votes. This election is being held following the expiration of terms for former NCP-elected National Assembly members Sharada Bhatta and Taraman Swar.