KATHMANDU: As many as 53 per cent voters have cast their ballot in the third phase of local level elections in Province 2 till 1:00 pm today.

Surya Prasad Aryal, Information Officer at Election Commission said, “As per the latest data, 53 per cent voters have exercised their franchise."

“Among the districts, Rautahat has the highest number of voter’s turnout with 60 per cent whereas Dhanusha has the least with 45 per cent,” he added.

The elections are being conducted in a peaceful manner so far. Voters are excited to cast their ballot and are in queue since 7:00 am today, further stated Aryal. “We have not received any information regarding disruption so far.”

As many as 2,664,950 eligible voters would elect 6,627 local representatives in 136 local levels in Province 2.

Meanwhile, the poll panel stated that it had arranged facilities for representatives of diplomatic communities to monitor voting in four major cities — Janakpur, Bardibas, Birgunj and Simara.

35 pc votes cast till noon in Province 2

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has said that 35 per cent voters have cast their ballots till 12:00 pm today, under the third phase of local level elections in Province 2.

According to the Joint Election Operation Center, under the Election Commission, the casting of votes is going on in a peaceful manner so far. “Voters are in queues to cast their ballots since early morning. They are really excited to exercise their franchise,” said EC.

Meanwhile, police arrested two fake voters from two districts, one from Rautahat and Bara each, for trying to vote in the name of other persons.

Voting started at 7:00 am. Voters who reach the polling stations by 5:00 pm will be allowed to cast their votes, according to the Election Commission.

A total of 136 local levels, including one metropolitan city, three sub-metropolitan cities, 73 municipalities and 59 rural municipalities will elect their representatives. Similarly, 2,166 polling stations and 3,578 polling centres have been set up for elections.