Kathmandu, February 6:

Minister for Local Development, Tanka Dhakal, today said Wednesday’s municipal election is an “ordeal by fire” for the ward chairmen and members of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) who were elected unopposed.

Dhakal was speaking at a reception programme held today to felicitate the 16 ward chairmen and members of 35 wards of KMC who were elected unopposed.

Around 69 of 177 posts of chairmen and members were declared filled by candidates elected unopposed.

Chief executive officer of KMC Padma Raj Regmi welcomed the ward chairmen and members by applying tika on their foreheads and presenting them bouquets.

“If the turnout of people on the poll day is meagre, we will face dire consequences,” Dhakal told the newly-elected ward officials, adding that it would be a great loss for the “elected people’s representatives”.

Dhakal directed the ward chairmen to begin campaigning for the election in coordination with their respective ward secretaries right after the programme.

He added that their stars were in the ascendant and that was why they had enjoyed the good fortune getting elected unopposed, even in the capital.

“The whole government is with you. You need not worry about the security measures,” he said, adding, “Nobody can unsettle you from your posts for the next five years.”

Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Buddhi Man Tamang said the newly-elected ward chairmen and members have the responsibility to make Kathmandu a model city both at the national and international level.

He directed all ward secretaries to contact different state and assistant ministers for necessary provisions to campaign in their respective wards and report back on developments.

“You are brave and capable. Besides, you have the sentiment of patriotism,” assistant minister for Local Development Roshan Karki said.

She added that nobody could question the competence of the newly elected people’s representatives.

She advised the representatives not to go for personal benefits.

“The main examination is yet to come. All ward chairmen should work hard to encourage maximum voter turnout in the election slated to be held on Wednesday,” she said.

The minister also told them not to worry about their security.