CHITWAN, APRIL 23

The voting process under the by-election has been suspended at a polling centre in Chitwan electoral constituency no 2. The voting has been suspended at the Naya Kiran Secondary School polling centre in Bharatpur Metropolitan City 11.

The voting had to be stopped as the leaders and cadres of rival political parties protested, saying supporters of Rastriya Swatantra Party's candidate Rabi Lamichhane chanted slogans as he turned to the polling booth.

Voting was taking place at seven centres at this polling station. Discussion on starting the voting process is taking place at the voting station at present, said Ishwori Acharya, Assistant Election Officer at the Office of the Chief Returning Officer.

Representatives of the rest of the political parties have accused the Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate of violating the election code of conduct by carrying out sloganeering.

According to assistant election officer Acharya, preparations are on for starting the voting process following consultation in the all-party meeting.