The voting process for the by-election to select representatives for Ilam Constituency No. 2 has come to an end. The voting period commenced at 7 am and concluded at 5 pm, offering eligible citizens a generous window to exercise their right to vote. Nevertheless, feedback from voters revealed a significant decline in turnout when compared to past elections, indicating a worrisome pattern of decreased civic participation within the constituency.
In light of the lower turnout than anticipated, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer has provided an extension for individuals who were unable to cast their votes before the 5 o'clock cutoff. People in this situation are advised to make use of the designated "Polling Area" to exercise their right to vote. This measure is designed to guarantee that all eligible voters have a chance to take part in the electoral process.
According to the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, around 57 percent of registered voters had cast their votes by the 5 pm deadline. This percentage represents a substantial part of the electorate, highlighting the need for efforts to increase voter turnout and civic engagement in upcoming elections.
After the voting ended, organizers are now getting ready to collect the ballot boxes. The ballot boxes will be safely transported to the Gautam Buddha Conference Center in Ilam Municipality 7. This thorough procedure guarantees the honesty and openness of the electoral process, protecting the importance of every vote that is submitted.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Keshav Prasad Ghimire, shared information about the voter turnout in Ilam 2. He mentioned that out of the 115,889 eligible voters, more than 66,000 people actively took part in the electoral process. This metric is crucial for evaluating the level of voter engagement and political participation in the constituency.
In addition, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer has reported that a total of 19 candidates participated in the race for the House of Representatives seat in Ilam-2. The wide array of candidates in this field showcases the democratic values that underpin the electoral process, providing voters with a variety of options to champion their interests and dreams.
Finally, the conclusion of voting in the by-election for Ilam Constituency No. 2 is a noteworthy moment in the democratic process. In the face of obstacles surrounding voter participation, electoral authorities are dedicated to maintaining a fair and transparent process, ensuring that the electorate's voices are both heard and valued.
