BAJURA, FEBRUARY 20 As the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 approaches, voter enthusiasm in Bajura remains subdued despite intensified campaigning by political parties. Bajura has a single federal constituency, where eight candidates, including one independent, are contesting the upcoming election. With less than two weeks remaining, candidates and parties have been busy holding meetings, conducting door-to-door campaigns and presenting their election commitments to voters. Yet unlike in previous elections, there is little visible excitement among the electorate. Broken promises fuel apathy Local residents say repeated promises made during past elections have failed to bring meaningful change. 'Leaders come to the village asking for votes with many promises, and we welcome them with respect; however, previous promises were not kept,' said Sher Bahadur Rawat of Khaptad Chhededaha. 'Candidates changed repeatedly, but our condition remains the same.' Rawat added that the village still lacks easy road access, adequate health services and employment - yet leaders continue to seek votes. 'No matter how many come, locals are not confident that their standard of living will change or the district's development status will improve,' he said. Civic society leader Dayaram Pandit echoed the sentiment, noting that candidates frequently visit homes seeking votes but fail to deliver once elected, eroding public trust in political leadership. In Ward 5 of Triveni Municipality, road access has yet to reach the area despite assurances across successive elections. Local resident Tuli Budha captured the prevailing mood: 'Leaders visited repeatedly, promised development, and vowed to bring roads - but the people's dream of riding in a vehicle remains unfulfilled.' Voters there have grown from hopeful to bitter. 'What happens if we vote for someone? Nothing happens,' is now a common refrain. Migration empties villages The electoral atmosphere has been further hollowed out by migration. Across many villages in the district, only elderly residents and children remain, as working-age individuals have left for foreign employment, business or education. 'Unlike past elections, there is little hustle and bustle or specific enthusiasm among voters in the villages this time,' Rawat observed. 'Most are away, and those in the village are busy with their own work.' Residents also cite persistent shortcomings in healthcare, transportation and employment, leading many to question whether casting their vote will bring any tangible improvement to daily life. Election at a glance Bajura has 87,861 registered voters - 45,428 men, 42,431 women and two others. The district will operate 77 polling stations across 118 polling centres on March 5.