KATHMANDU, MARCH 5 The Election Commission (EC) has estimated a 60 percent voter turnout in the House of Representatives (HoR) election held today. At a press conference organized at the Election Commission following the conclusion of voting, Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said preliminary information indicated a 60 percent voter turnout. However, he noted that detailed figures are still awaited. He added that, except for a few minor incidents, voting concluded peacefully and enthusiastically across the country. Reports from both national and international observers also described the voting process as peaceful. The Officiating Chief Election Commissioner further informed that ballot boxes were being transported by helicopters of the Nepali Army from 15 remote districts. Air transportation was arranged for Taplejung, Rasuwa, Dolakha and Rukum East on Thursday, while ballot boxes from Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Manang, Humla, Rukum West and Bajura will be transported on Friday. Vote counting will begin after the ballot boxes are gathered at the offices of election officers in the respective constituencies. The EC has extended its gratitude to all Nepali citizens who participated enthusiastically in the voting process to elect their representatives, as well as to those who supported the successful completion of the election. Regarding reports of some voters boycotting the polls at certain polling stations, Bhandari said the abstention might have stemmed from public disappointment with the government or elected representatives for failing to fulfill their earlier commitments. However, he stressed that such dissatisfaction was not directed at the constitution, the political system, or the Election Commission. (With inputs from Rastriya Samchar Samiti)