The country turned a new page on Wednesday as people in Provinces 1, 5 and 7 voted in the second phase of local elections—a precursor of provincial and federal polls to be held by January next year, which will set the country on the path of institutionalising the new constitution adopted two years ago.

With the Election Commission (EC) estimating 70.5 percent voter turnout, the second phase polls were highly successful given the timing—as voting for the first time in Nepal’s history was scheduled in the midst of monsoon—and political sensitivity in view of some Madhes-based parties’ decision to boycott the polls.

“Although voting was delayed in some polling centres in the morning, voters enthusiastically participated in the polls,” Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav said at press meet in the Capital after voting concluded in all the provinces.

Wednesday’s polls were also the first step for Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who returned to power three weeks ago, towards completing the tasks he inherited from his predecessor Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

The success of second phase of polls is also highly significant for Deuba, for he carries a historical burden of failing to hold elections twice—in 2002 and 2005—and on one occasion he was even branded “incompetent” by then king Gyanendra. 

In some parts of the three provinces, people braved monsoon rains and took a day off from their work in the fields— as this is the season of paddy plantation—to exercise their franchise to fill the democratic deficit and bring local governments to their doorsteps.

Some incidents of blasts were reported and some improvised explosive devices were found in some districts, but authorities said they hardly posed any threats to voters as strong security measures were well in place.

Voting was held to elect 15,038 local representatives in 334 units of 35 districts. Over 62,000 candidates are in the fray.

According to the poll body, Bajura saw the highest voter turnout at 80 percent while Bhojpur had the lowest at 61 percent. Of the 35 districts, 29 districts saw over 70 percent voter turnout. 

But these are preliminary estimates, said the poll body, adding that the turnout percentage could go up. 

Election experts said the high turnout despite paddy plantation season and bomb threats is an indication that people still see elections as the only tool to spur local development through democratic process. 

“The massive participation of people in the polls shows that people rejected those who wanted to disrupt the polls,” said former chief election commissioner Dolakh Bahadur Gurung.  

According to the EC, it received huge cooperation from political parties, candidates and civil society to save the polling centres from rains.

The EC said ballot boxes were being transported to the offices of chief election officers and election officers.

“Once all the ballot boxes reach the designated areas, the election officers will make arrangements for counting,” said CEC Yadav, adding that counting was expected to start from Wednesday night itself or Thursday after consultation with political parties.

EC officials said election officers have been instructed to complete counting within a week. 

With the second phase of local polls completed, voting will take place in Province 2 on September 18.