Nearly 7.5 million votes cast by 3 pm: EC

KATHMANDU: Nearly 7.5 million people have cast their votes by 3 pm on Thursday.

According to the Election Commission  (EC), 7,4144,101 votes had been cast across the country by 3 pm.

Kathmandu Valley, the federal capital, recorded a turnout of 53%. Province-wise, Koshi recorded the highest turnout of 58%, followed by Madhesh (54%), Bagmati (53%), Sudurpashchim (43%), Karnali (42%), Gandaki (41%), and Lumbini (41%).\

Overall turnout across the country was at 39%.

The EC has said that voting is progressing peacefully across the country. EC officials have encouraged voters to head to polling stations early to avoid last-minute crowds.

The election is the first nationwide vote following the 2025 youth-led protests that led to parliament dissolution

EC officials are hopeful that the overall turnout will exceed 65%, surpassing the 61% participation recorded in 2022.

Voting, which began at 7 am, will continue till 5 pm.