The Election Commission (EC) has put the preliminary voter turnout at 73 per cent in the third phase of local level elections held in eight districts of Province 2 on Monday.

Organising a press conference at EC office in the Capital on Monday, Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav said the polling remained largely peaceful and the voters were enthusiastic.

"The way public voted in the elections by queuing up patiently in scorching hot temperature shows their faith in democratic process and values," said CEC Yadav.

EC spokesperson Nabaraj Dhakal said that an estimated 73 per cent voters cast their ballots in today’s elections.

The third phase of local level elections was held in 136 local units of eight districts in Province 2 today. The polling continued from 7am to 5pm. The election remained largely peaceful barring some minor incidents of violence.

There is one metropolitan city, three sub-metropolis, 73 municipalities and 59 village councils in Province 2.  Today's poll will elect 6,627 representatives in Province 2.

A total of 37,236 candidates are vying for various positions in Province 2. Eight candidates have been elected unopposed.