Siraha, May 24

Though the government is preparing to hold the second phase of local level elections in three weeks, the election office has yet to being voter education to the Musahar community at Dhobiyajhar of Golbazaar Municipality, Siraha.

“We have heard about the election, but we have no idea about which political parties are contesting or their candidates. Not a single political party or election official has arrived in our locality to campaign, nor has voter education been imparted. We don’t even know how to cast our ballots,” said Bhaula Sadaya, 55, of the locality.

Uttim Lal Sadaya, 35, of Sundarpur, Mirhaiya Municipality also expressed a similar opinion. He said they had no idea that a Dalit candidate had been chosen to contest in one of the top posts in Mirhaiya.

Meanwhile, District Election Officer Indira Yadav said social mobilisers were deployed in all municipalities and rural municipalities to educate voters.

“We have appointed social mobilisers for each ward in all municipalities. In case of insufficient manpower, health assistant and child development centre facilitators will be appointed and mobilised at the earliest,” said Yadav.