A Look Back at Kathmandu's First Municipal Election in 2004 BS

The first municipal election in Nepal was held on Jestha 29, 2004 BS, in Kathmandu Municipality. Through a proclamation by then Rana Prime Minister Shri 3 Mohan Shamsher Rana on Jestha 3, the decision was made to establish elected municipalities across the country, where representatives would be chosen through voting, with the belief that well-considered, capable, experienced, and worthy representatives would aid in the nation's upliftment.

In that election, the residents of the urban area of Kathmandu exercised their right to vote to choose their representative for the first time. According to 'Nepal's Election History' published by the Election Commission, on Poush 2, 1976 BS, then Rana Prime Minister Chandra Shamsher established the 'Safai Adda' (Cleaning Department) for the sanitation of paths used by high-caste individuals.

The same department was institutionally transformed into the 'Municipality' by Prime Minister Padma Shamsher on Falgun 2, 2003 BS.

At that time, Kathmandu Municipality was confined within four boundaries: North Maharajganj, South Bagmati, East Dhobikhola, and West Bishnumati. The area within these four boundaries was divided into 21 wards, and there was a provision to elect one member from each ward.

Interestingly, only men above the age of 21 residing in each ward were allowed to vote. The total number of voters was 68,118. It was estimated that 60 to 65 percent of votes were cast across the 21 wards at that time.

Bhuvannlal Pradhan became the first unanimously elected representative. The municipality board was formed with 31 members: 21 elected representatives from the wards and 10 nominated members. Among the 31 members, the chairman was to be selected from the nominated members and the vice-chairman from the elected representatives. Gehendra Shamsher Thapa was chosen as the first chairman and Shankaradev Pant as the vice-chairman.

Among the elected representatives, three sections of members were required to resign annually through a lottery system. However, due to disagreements between nominated and elected representatives, 16 members resigned. The remaining 15 served until the revolution of 2007 BS. Elections were also held in Bhaktapur and Lalitpur in the same year.