Kathmandu, September 9

The Election Commission today allotted election symbols to candidates contesting the third phase of local polls in Province 2.

EC Spokesperson Navraj Dhakal told THT that the EC had allotted election symbols to candidates through  the offices of chief returning officers and returning officers in eight districts of Province 2.

The third phase of local elections will be held in 136 local levels of eight districts of Province 2 — Saptari, Siraha, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara and Parsa.

Candidates contesting on tickets given by political parties were given their respective party symbols and independent candidates were given free symbols.

According to Dhakal, 591 candidates either withdrew their nominations or the EC cancelled their candidacy for not meeting the required criteria. More than 38,000 had filed nominations for various posts. Dhakal said the EC would publish the final list tomorrow.

Of the 136 local levels, there is one metropolitan city, three sub-metropolitan cities, 73 municipalities and 59 rural municipalities in Province 2. There are 2,166 polling stations and 3,578 polling centres.