Nepal conducts local elections for first time in 20 years

Polling for the first phase of local elections has begun in Nepal. It can be termed ‘historic’ as for the first time in 20 years, such elections are being held in the country.

It is also the first polls after the country adopted a new constitution in September 2015. The last elections was held in 1997 and according to reports, more than 16,000 people have lost their lives till now following Maoist activities.

Nearly 50,000 candidates are in fray for various positions including Mayor, Deputy Mayor, ward chairman and ward member.

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An Election Commission spokesman on Sunday said around 15 million people are eligible to cast their votes in country’s 6,641 polling stations. Around 46,000 civil servants are being deployed at the polling stations, who will be guarded by 75,000 security forces.

The second round of polling is scheduled for mid-June. However, the Opposition said that the second phase should be preponed as the date for the announcement of budget is prior to the date of elections.

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