Female Voters Outnumber Candidates in Chitwan-1 Electoral Area

Chitwan, Magh 26: In Constituency No. 1 of Chitwan, which encompasses three municipalities, the number of female voters exceeds half of the total electorate. However, the number of female candidates contesting the election remains significantly low.

This constituency, covering Ratnanagar, Khairahani, and Rapti municipalities in Eastern Chitwan, has a total of 149,621 voters. Of these, 75,860 are female voters, accounting for 50.70 percent. The number of male voters stands at 73,761, which is 49.30 percent. Despite the higher number of female voters, out of the 18 candidates contesting for the House of Representatives seat, only two are women. Both of these female candidates belong to smaller parties.

The Rastriya Janamorcha has nominated Sitadevi Chhetri, and the National Republic Nepal has nominated Ishwari Gurung. Major parties that have won elections previously have failed to field female candidates in this constituency. According to the Election Officer's office, candidates from 15 political parties are contesting from this area, along with three independent candidates. Among the voters in this constituency, 50 percent are Khas Arya. Indigenous Janajatis constitute 33.33 percent, while according to the Election Commission's data, Tharu, Dalit, and Madhesi communities each make up 5.56 percent.

There are 168 polling stations across 56 polling sites in this constituency. A portion of Rapti Municipality in this area falls under the hilly region, while the rest is plains.

---