BIRGUNJ: The counting of votes started in the only metropolitan city in Province 2, Birgunj, at around 2:45 pm today.

Though, the counting was said to start on Monday night, it began on Monday afternoon due to lack of necessary preparations, informed the Office of the Chief returning Officer in Birgunj.

"The counting of votes was delayed as the officials were managing and ensuring the security including the installation of CCTV cameras,” said Chief Returning Officer Bishnu Subedi.

The counting of votes of ward number 1 and 32 has already started. The counting is underway in 11 rooms of Thakur Ram Multiple Campus amid tight security, said Durga Dutta Paudel at the District Administration Office.

There are 108,500 voters in Birgunj Metropolis. The district witnessed 73 per cent voter turnout in the third phase of local level elections.

The locals and political parties are keen about the elections result of the Metropolis as it was the centre for Madhes agitation two years ago.