Lahan, March 30

Political parties, mainly the NC, CPN-UML and CPN-MC have expedited internal preparations in Siraha  for the upcoming local level elections.

Despite the UMDF’s ongoing protest in the district dominated by the Madhesi community, political parties have started holding election-related activities to steer their cadres and prospective voters.

NC-aligned Nepal Women Association recently held provincial level training, while regular meetings and discussion are being held in all rural municipalities and municipalities across the district to strengthen the organisation, according to NC Siraha Chapter President and parliamentarian Ramchandra Yadav.

Selection of candidates, training for cadres and regular meetings and coordination between cadres and local leaders have topped the NC’s agenda in the district lately.

Yadav said that although Madhes-centric political parties have been warning that they will boycott the upcoming election, other political parties have started preparations amidst doubts whether the election will be held.

The CPN-UML has not been able to hold any formal programme publicly in Siraha following a clash between the UML and Madhesi-Front cadres in Saptari during the UML’s recent Mechi-Mahakali campaign .

CPN-Maoist central member Harinarayan Chaudhary said local party leaders and cadres are busy holding regular meetings and interactions in view of the upcoming election.

A large number of youths from the Madhesi community have been making their way to District Police Office, Siraha after the office issued a public notice for hiring temporary police for the purpose of local elections.

Growing attraction of youths towards temporary police recruitment for the election has contributed to the election atmosphere. Big political parties have started reaching people’s doorsteps for the local-level election that is being held after 19 years