Seasonal migration leaves Bajura’s mountain voters struggling to cast ballots

Bajura: Members of the tribal community in Bajura who migrate to lower valleys to escape the harsh winter are facing difficulties in participating in the upcoming House of Representatives elections.

As they are expected to return to their villages only in Chaitra, concerns have been raised that many will be unable to vote. Former president of the Janajati Federation Bajura, Nrip Bahadur Thapa (Vote), said that participation in the election will be challenging, as these communities have been migrating with their flocks of sheep since last Mangsir.

According to Thapa, more than 500 families from such communities reside in Bajura. They are spread across Badimalika Municipality-7 Dhamkne; Budhinanda Municipality wards 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 9; and Himali Rural Municipality wards 2 and 3. Jagat Thapa (Vote), who has temporarily relocated to Sanagaun in Doti, also said that voting in the upcoming elections will be difficult.

“My family and I are here; all four of us have migrated seasonally,” he said, adding that it would take more than a week to return to the village in order to vote.

Chief District Officer Dorendra Prasad Niraula said efforts would be made to encourage such voters to return to their villages to participate in the election. A total of 77 polling stations have been set up in the district.

Election Officer Bhim Bahadur Shahi of the District Election Office said that 118 polling centers have been established. There are 87,861 registered voters in the district, including 41,618 women and 46,243 men.