An election team, including security personnel, which left for Shey Phoksundo Village Council near the Nepal-China border in Dolpa district for poll preparations, has been stuck on the way for the last two days due to the rains and snowfall.

The team, which had left for Shey Phoksundo Village Council five days ago on foot, has been stuck in Dho Village. It has to cross a pass at the altitude of 5,100 meters to reach the village council.

Degendraraj Paudel, regional administrator, said he had talked with the Home Ministry and the Election Commission to arrange for a helicopter to rescue them. “We can hand over responsibility to the local government employees to register the candidacy for the local polls if the election team could not reach the village council on time,” said Paudel.

Other election teams mobilised to hold elections in the Dolpobuddha and Chharkatangsong Village councils have also faced similar problems on their way to the respective local units. “They are in Seri now. We hope they reach the village councils once the weather improves,” said Paudel. Chief District Officer Keshavraj

Acharya said Shey Phoksundo, Dolpobuddha, Chharkatangsong, Kaike, Thulibheri, Jagdula Village Councils witnessed heavy rains and snowfall recently. Locals fear they would be able to cast their votes if snowfall continues.

Election materials together with the voter lists were airlifted to Karnali districts to ensure the elections in Upper Dolpa are held on time.