KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has disclosed its agenda for the December local by-elections, which will fill 35 vacant seats in various districts throughout all seven provinces. Deputy heads, chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, heads of municipalities, and ward chairpersons are among the roles that are open for a variety of reasons. The EC began the voter list registration procedure on August 13 to ensure that eligible voters may participate in the next elections.
While the EC is working to ensure that the positions be filled as quickly as feasible, the difficulty these vacancies have generated calls for the by-elections. According to the Local Elections Act, 2073, when a position has more than a year remaining in its present term, the administration must work with the EC to arrange by-elections. Voter list registration will be temporarily suspended upon the official announcement of the election date, in compliance with Section 4(2) of the Voter's Roll Act, 2073.
Districts like Saptari and Rautahat in Madhesh Province, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, and Okhaldhunga in Koshi Province, Gorkha in Gandaki Province, Gulmi, Rolpa, and Bardia in Lumbini Province, Kalikot, Jajarkot, and Dolpa in Karnali Province, and Bajura, Bajhang, Doti, and Kanchanpur in Sudurpaschim Province are among those scheduled for local by-elections. These elections are meant to fill important local government seats that have been open for a while.
The posts of Chief of Kirtipur Municipality in Kathmandu, Vice Chairman of Gaurishankar Rural Municipality in Dolakha, and Chairman of Gramthan Rural Municipality in Morang are a few examples of particular openings. The Vice Chairman of Nalgad Municipality in Jajarkot, the Chairman of Mahabu Rural Municipality in Dailekh, and the Vice Chairman of Swamikartik Khapar Rural Municipality in Bajura are among the other positions that are open. Notable vacancy also occurs in Sarkegad Rural Municipality in Humla, where Vice Chairman Chandrasingh Karki's death has left the Vice President's post vacant.
Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Thapalia confirmed that preparations for the December by-elections are underway and assured that any additional vacancies up to one month before the elections will still be filled through the electoral process. The Commission is committed to ensuring that all eligible positions are filled efficiently to restore proper governance at the local level.
