Will there be re-voting in Bajura?

Dhangadhi: Controversies have arisen in more than 20 places in Bajura. As a result, the election counting process is stalling. Even though the counting of votes has started in other regions, the counting of votes has not begun in Bajura.  During the polling, two people lost their lives and the district suffered clashes.

Clashes, vandalism of polling stations, pelting of stones, burning of ballot boxes, air fire by police, and voters being chased are a few major incidents that took place in the district. Two people lost their lives in Bajura due to a dispute during the voting.

Sanjiv Ayadi of Triveni Municipality-7 was shot dead by the police. There was a dispute between Nepali Congress and CPN-UML workers at Nateshwari Basic School polling station over fake votes. When the two parties started looting the ballot boxes, the police opened fire to bring the situation under control. A 23-year-old youth, Ayadi, was hit by a bullet in his chest, while three others, including a policeman, were injured.

Chetan Ayadi of Triveni Municipality-7 was murdered on Sunday night. Ayadi, a member of Aneraswaviyu near CPN-UML, was beaten to death. Bajura is now stressed by this incident. Voting has been completed in Bajura amidst tension. However, the counting of votes could not start due to the controversy.

A petition has been filed demanding re-voting in 23 places including Budhiganga, Budhinanda, Swamikartik Khapar, Khaptad Chededah, Triveni, and Jagannath in Bajura. After the controversy in Budhinanda Municipality-5, the Election Officer issued a notice and postponed the voting indefinitely.

There was a dispute in the polling stations of Girikhelne Pravi located in Budhiganga Municipality-8, Budhinanda Municipality 5 and 7, Swamikartik 3 and 4, Khaptad Chededah Rural Municipality 1 and 2, and Triveni Municipality 1 and 7, Jagannath Rural Municipality 4, Badimalika 9 in the headquarters of Martadi. The police also fired dozens of rounds in the air to bring the situation under control. According to the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML filed a petition saying that the polling of 23 disputed places was rigged.

Chief Electoral Officer Dhakaram Paudel said that CPN-UML has applied for re-voting in 15 and Nepali Congress in 8 places. According to him, the election officer has been informed about it. "We have been informed above, we will move forward according to the decision," he said. According to Chief Electoral Officer Paudel, work is being done to bring the polling stations of Khaptad and Himalaya to the headquarters.

There are 70 polling stations and 114 polling stations in Bajura. Ballot boxes from places near the headquarters have been brought to Martadi.