By-election fever grips Ilam-2 and Bhajang-1: Candidates prepare for nomination day

KATHMANDU: As the by-elections slated for April 27 approach, candidates in Ilam-2 and Bhajang-1 are stepping forward to officially join the electoral race by filing their nominations today.

The Election Commission has invited candidates to file their nominations at the respective election offices from 10 am to 5 pm. This marks a significant moment in the electoral process, as contenders formally declare their intention to contest in the upcoming by-elections.

Following the nomination filing process, the Election Commission has set a deadline for lodging complaints against the nominations until 3 pm on Sunday.

Candidates who may wish to withdraw their candidacy have until April 9 to do so. The allocation of election symbols will take place on the same day.

The by-elections are scheduled to take place on April 27, starting from 7 am to 5 pm, allowing ample time for voters to cast their ballots.

Key candidates vying for the House of Representatives seat in Ilam-2 include representatives from various political parties such as Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Rastriya Swatantra Party, CPN (Unified Socialist), Rastriya Prajatantra Party, RPP Nepal, Janamat Party, and an independent candidate. CPN (Maoist Center) has announced its support for CPN-UML's candidate in Ilam.

Ilam-2 will host 79 polling centers and 149 polling booths, while Bhajang-1 will have 74 polling centers and 93 polling booths to facilitate the voting process.

With candidates from diverse backgrounds and parties entering the electoral arena, these by-elections present an opportunity for constituents to participate in shaping the political landscape of their respective constituencies.