Polling has begun for local elections in Nepal and in the first phase, polling is being held for 283 local bodies in 3 provinces today. Around 50 lakh voters are expected to exercise their franchise in 34 districts including Kathmandu. More than 49,000 candidates are trying their luck for 13,556 local representatives.
AIR Kathmandu correspondent reports that polling is progressing peacefully and large number of voters are turning out to cast their votes. President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has appealed voters to exercise their franchise.
In a message President Bhandari expressed confidence that this election shall open door to stability and economic prosperity by empowering the local level. In his message Prime Minister Dahal urged all the electors to participate in historic local election and use their sovereign voting rights.
Local elections are being held after a gap of 20 years and it is an important step towards strengthening democracy in Nepal.