Names of deceased individuals still appear on voter list in Bajhang
Bajhang: Despite passing away in 2071 BS, the name of Pade Rokaya of Pikhet, Thalara Rural Municipality-6, Bajhang, has been included in this year’s voter list. Similarly, Harku Rokaya of Pikhet, who died about seven to eight years ago, also remains on the list.
The recently published voter list includes the names of several deceased individuals. Kishor Rokaya, ward president of the Nepali Congress in Thalara Rural Municipality-6, said, “My father was Pade Rokaya, and it has been about 10 years since he died. It is surprising to see his name still on the voter list.”
He expressed concern over the state system, stating that the Election Commission has not established a clear and effective process for removing the names of deceased individuals. “The social security allowance in the ward was discontinued in the same year of his death, but the fact that his name has not been removed from the voter list so far is a serious issue. How many such names exist across the country?” he questioned.
Locals have reported that disputes and altercations occur at polling stations when attempts are made to cast fake votes in the names of deceased individuals. There are also complaints that efforts are made to capture booths by misusing the names of deceased or absent voters.
Election Officer Basanta Dhanuk acknowledged receiving numerous complaints regarding the inclusion of deceased persons on the voter list. He suggested that the Election Commission and the Registration Department should collaborate to develop a software system to regularly update and remove such names in the future.
The published image features the late Pade Rokaya and Harku Rokaya of Thalara-6, Pikhet, whose names continue to appear on the voter list.
Dineshkhabar Desk