KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 26
Jhapa Constituency-2 has drawn attention ahead of the March 5 House of Representatives election with 18 candidates, including senior political figures and former office-bearers, contesting the seat.
Former Speaker Devraj Ghimire of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) is facing outgoing Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, alongside former Minister of State Sarita Prasai of the Nepali Congress and former Minister of State Dharmashila Chapagain of the Nepal Communist Party. Several other candidates, including women contenders from smaller parties, are also in the race.
The constituency has 147,522 registered voters - 73,950 men, 73,567 women and five listed under 'other'. Voting will take place at 49 polling centres and 165 polling stations across Arjundhara Municipality, parts of Birtamod Municipality and Buddhashanti Rural Municipality.
Historically a UML stronghold, the seat has seen close contests in recent elections. Voters have raised issues including resolution of squatters' problems in Arjundhara and the former Khudunabari area, and distribution of land ownership certificates. Analysts say the role of smaller parties and new voters could be decisive.
(With inputs from RSS)
