Chitwan, May 14

Intellectuals, entrepreneurs and locals in Chitwan said the civic polls had empowered people as it was held after a long time. They said that they were happy as the leaderships for the local levels were chosen today.

Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chair Rajan Gautam said that 20 years’ gap was filled today after the local level elections. “The tolerance of parties’ cadres during the elections has proved that elections are most necessary no matter who wins the polls,” he added. Gautam, who had reached different polling booths for supervision, said the country would now develop in the next five years. He further added that leadership in the local level was most needed as people had to suffer even to get small works done in the past.

Chairperson Radheshyam Khatiwada of Federation of Nepali Journalists Chitwan Chapter said people got the opportunity to choose their own candidates. “The system has begun,” he said. Khatiwada added political parties have to show the tolerance they had shown during elections. “Development will undoubtedly take place in the country,” he said.

Chairman Gopilal Devkota of Nepal Bar Association Chitwan Chapter said people were enthusiastic during elections. “It was the first time local level elections had been held as per the new constitution in the country,” he said.  Devkota added that voters had chosen those candidates who were committed to development.

Sabitri Poudel, a local of Ratnanagar Municipality, said it would be easier to operate development projects in villages now. “It was very difficult to do even small works earlier,” she said, adding that people could get their work done through their representatives easily. Poudel said the hassles while making documents in the municipality and ward offices would end from today.

Meanwhile, election officers in Chitwan claimed around 75 per cent vote was cast in one metropolis, five municipalities, and one rural municipality of Chitwan.