58% voter turnout in Ilam-2, 50% in Bajhang: EC

KATHMANDU: The by-elections for the Ilam-2 seat of the House of Representatives and the Bajhang-1(A) seat of the Sudurpashchim Province Assembly concluded peacefully.

According to the Election Commission, the voter turnout was 58% in Ilam-2, while it was 50% in Bajhang-1(A). A total of 115,889 people were eligible to vote in Ilam-2, and 61,748 were eligible in Bajhang-1(A).

The voter turnout in both constituencies was lower compared to the November 2022 election. Ilam-2 had recorded 59.78% voter turnout two years ago, while Bajhang-1(A) saw a 52.98% turnout.

According to the EC, all ballot boxes from Ilam-2 are expected to arrive at the counting center in Gautam Buddha City Hall in Ilam-7 by 11 pm on Saturday. However, it may take until at least 10 am on Sunday for all ballot boxes in Bajhang-1(A) to reach the counting centers, as helicopters need to be used to transport ballot boxes from three polling stations in Saipal Rural Municipality.

Although candidates from various political parties contested in both constituencies, the main competition is expected to be between the candidates of the CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress.

The Ilam-2 seat became vacant with the passing of CPN-UML Vice Chairperson Subash Chandra Nembang, while the Bajhang-1(A) seat of the Sudurpashchim Province Assembly fell vacant after Nepali Congress member Prithvi Bahadur Singh died in a road accident.