Kathmandu, March 5: The Election Commission of Nepal has estimated that around 60 percent voter turnout was recorded in the House of Representatives election held on Thursday.
Speaking at a press conference after the completion of voting, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said the estimate was based on preliminary reports received so far. He added that detailed data collection is still ongoing.
According to the commission, initial reports from national and international observer organizations indicate that the election was conducted peacefully and enthusiastically across the country, except for a few isolated incidents.
The commission said ballot boxes from 15 remote districts will be collected using helicopters of the Nepalese Army, after which vote counting will begin immediately.
Ballot boxes from Taplejung, Rasuwa, Dolakha and Rukum East will be collected on Thursday, while those from Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Manang, Humla, Rukum West and Bajura will be airlifted by Friday.
The commission thanked all those who participated in and supported the electoral process.
Responding to reports that some voters refused to cast their ballots in certain locations, Bhandari said the move could be linked to unfulfilled commitments by the government or elected representatives, rather than dissatisfaction with the constitution, the political system, or the commission itself.
