JANAKPUR — Eight districts of Province No. 2 are presently in the midst of the local level elections. Subsequently, the voters of the province are looking forward to exercise their franchise in the election taking place on September 18.
Election campaigning is at its peak in the province as of now, with assumption and forecasts over the result of the election becoming a hot topic from tea shops to communities to homes. Party candidates, cadres and leaders travelling door-to-door of the voters is adding to the colour of the democratic exercise taking place after a long gap of 20 plus years.
Head of political parties and senior leaders are all concentrated in the province, addressing election mass rallies and gatherings, making tall promises and seeking vote for their respective party candidates have become headlines in the media these days. Media persons too have gathered in large numbers to cover the election, being held in the third round for different reasons.
Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (MC), RJP Nepal, Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, Democratic Forum Nepal, RPP among others are in the fray in the election. A total of 36,076 candidates of those parties are vying for various posts in 136 local level units in the eight districts of the province.
As per the latest update from the Election Commission, a total of 1,783 are vying for the post of mayor and chair, 1,130 are competing for the deputy mayor and vice-chair posts while 8,018 are competing for the post of ward chairs. Also, 13,066 candidates are in the fray for the two open member posts, 6,360 for women member post and 5,705 for the post of Dalit woman member.
A total of 6,627 people’s representatives are being elected in one metropolis, three sub-metropolis, 73 municipalities and 59 rural municipalities in the election.
Basically, candidates of three major political parties, Rastriya Janata Party Nepal, Federal Socialist Forum and Democratic Forum are in the forefront of the race. Analysts say that the winning candidates too will have their victory with a low margin due to sharp competition in the Province No. 2.
Laxmi Prasad ‘Suman’, a voter in Janakpur, said that all should contribute to make the polls a success as this is a step ahead for implementation of the constitution.
Mohan Prasad, a vendor of Ramananda Chowk in Janakpur, said that most of the working class people are participating in polls activities despite their business hoping that this poll would result in inclusive development in the region.
However, Professor Shyamkishor Mahato said that vigilance of all was needed as the polls destabilizing elements are likely to remain active to foil the favourable environment. RSS
