Acting Chief Election Commissioner Reports Peaceful Voting, Projects Over 65% Turnout

Kathmandu. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ramprasad Bhandari has stated that voting is proceeding peacefully and enthusiastically across the country. Speaking to journalists after casting his vote, he informed that the Election Commission estimates the voter turnout to exceed 65 percent due to the high enthusiasm observed among the youth this time.

He mentioned that voters appeared eager to exercise their franchise as soon as the voting process began at 7 AM. Bhandari clarified that the process of collecting ballot boxes from urban and accessible areas would commence immediately after voting concludes, and counting would begin within 24 hours of collection. 

He stated that the commission is committed to delivering results as quickly as possible because voters will be intensely waiting to know whether the candidate they voted for has won or lost. To expedite the counting process, he explained that local authorities have been delegated the power to form up to 5-6 teams in areas with many ballot papers and 2-3 teams in areas with fewer papers for counting. The commission is preparing to announce the complete results, including proportional representation, by Mangsir 25.

Bhandari refuted rumors that voting was affected in the Himalayan districts due to snow or rain. He shared that he is in constant contact with 15 to 20 Himalayan districts, and voting is proceeding enthusiastically in all of them. He noted that compared to past elections, there have been no disturbances to peace and security from election campaigning through the silence period, and the government's security arrangements have been extremely effective.

The commission has ensured arrangements so that voters do not have to wait long in line, as casting a vote for any single voter is expected to take only one to two minutes.