Rajbiraj, April 21

Election campaigning has gained momentum in Saptari of late despite the fact that the district is most affected by the United Democratic Madhesi Front’s anti-poll stance.

Election offices are being established in the district amid the UDMF’s threat to disrupt the polls. Activities related to voter education has also started. “Despite the front’s decision not to participate in polls, offices of chief election officer and election officer have opened up in Rajbiraj and Krishnawaran Rural Municipality, respectively,” said Mahesh Kumar Thakur, chief at District Election Office, Saptari.

He added offices in other local levels of the district will be set up by tomorrow. The EC has designated Saptari District Court Judge Sarada Prasad Koirala as chief election officer and appointed 16 others as election officers. There are a total of 17 local bodies in the district, including nine municipalities.

According to Thakur, they have also finalised election booths and centres, and are preparing to train manpower to be deployed at polling centres by April 28.

Meanwhile, the UDMF has been organising various protest programmes pledging to thwart the elections. The party has padlocked offices of 17 local levels and the office of the District Coordination Committee in Saptari, demanding amendment to the constitution to fulfil their demands.